Since making his NFL debut with the Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson has been a headline-grabbing force. Entering the league in 2018, Jackson's dual-threat quarterbacking prowess instantly set him apart, but his time on the field has had its fair share of interruptions due to illnesses.
Despite his incredible performances, Jackson has faced a recurring obstacle: missing practice due to non-COVID-related illnesses. Over the past seven seasons, he has missed practices each year, tallying up to a total of 12 missed sessions. This year alone, Jackson was absent for four crucial practices during the initial week of training camp. Reflecting on these setbacks, Jackson remarked, "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes."
Health concerns have not just been a recent issue for Jackson. In a dramatic prelude to his first NFL start in 2018, Jackson was hospitalized for severe stomach pains just three days before leading the Ravens to a 24-21 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. This debut was nothing short of historic, with Jackson becoming the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his initial career start.
Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh is well aware of the scrutiny surrounding his star quarterback's health. "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility," Harbaugh noted, emphasizing the team's thorough approach to ensuring their players' health and readiness.
Jackson's bouts with illness haven't dampened his ambition or undermined his performance significantly. In his first six seasons, Jackson has been named NFL MVP twice, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier talents. Even when sidelined, Jackson's focus remains unwavering. "It's been the first checkbox for me since 2018. I said that April 26th, whenever I was drafted, I said that, and I meant that. That's the highest level of this game we play. So, you got to go out a champion. That's what I want to be labeled as a champion -- not just MVP here and there. I want to be a champion," Jackson affirmed.
The illnesses, while disruptive, have not derailed Jackson's career trajectory. He has demonstrated resilience, bouncing back each time to deliver performances that continue to elevate his team. His commitment to his craft and his goals is evident as he navigates these challenges with a focus on the ultimate prize: a championship title.
In 2021, Jackson missed three practices, his most in a single season apart from this year. He managed to maintain his form, showcasing his ability to overcome adversities that come his way. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," Jackson commented, highlighting his stoic approach to handling unexpected setbacks.
Through the years, Jackson's health issues have become a subplot that fans and analysts keenly observe. In 2019, he missed one practice, followed by another single practice absence in 2020. Similar patterns continued in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, each absence scrutinized within the broader narrative of his outstanding career.
Jackson's determination and resolve remain undeterred. His vision is firmly set on not just personal accolades but team triumphs. The quest for a championship is ever-present in his mind, driving him through moments of adversity and illness. And while the journey may be punctuated by these health hiccups, Jackson's tenacity ensures that each return to the field reinforces his legacy.
In the high-stakes world of professional football, every player's journey is fraught with challenges, but few handle them with the poise and determination that Jackson exhibits. As he continues to recover and strive for greatness, fans and analysts alike will be watching, ever-intrigued by the resilience and spirit of one of the NFL's most compelling quarterbacks.