Lamar Jackson’s Battle with Illnesses Throughout His NFL Career
Since his entry into the NFL, Lamar Jackson has faced a persistent challenge that has nothing to do with defensive lines or cover schemes. Despite his undeniable talent and numerous accolades, Jackson's career has also been marked by frequent and sometimes severe illnesses.
Arriving on the NFL scene in 2018 as a first-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson wasted no time in showcasing his abilities. Three days before his first career start, he was hospitalized for severe stomach pains. Nonetheless, his debut was nothing short of spectacular. Leading the Ravens to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Jackson became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his first career start.
Yet, Jackson's journey has been continually interrupted by health setbacks. He has missed at least one practice every season due to non-COVID-related illnesses, totaling 12 missed sessions over the years. "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes," Jackson remarked, reflecting on his unexpected vulnerability to ailments in the NFL.
This pattern of illness has been a recurring theme each year since 2018. Jackson missed one practice in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, followed by three missed practices in 2021. In the most recent two seasons, he missed one practice each in 2022 and 2023. The Ravens' head coach, John Harbaugh, addressed the team's approach to Jackson's health concerns, "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility." This rigorous medical oversight underscores the seriousness with which the Ravens manage Jackson's health.
The 2023 training camp brought more challenges, as Jackson was once again sidelined, missing four practices during the first week. These absences however, have not quashed his determined spirit. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," Jackson said, displaying his resilience and readiness to return to the field.
Despite these health hurdles, Jackson’s impact on the field has been undeniable. With two NFL MVP titles to his name in his first six seasons, he remains a formidable force in the league. But for Jackson, personal accolades are not the ultimate goal. "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 declared, reiterating his ambition and drive to lead his team to the pinnacle of NFL success.
Jackson's journey showcases a blend of brilliance and adversity. His ability to lead, combined with his physical aptitudes, make him a player who could potentially change the course of games single-handedly. Yet, the persistent interruption of illnesses remains a significant narrative in his career. For fans and analysts alike, the question persists: How might Jackson’s performance elevate even further if he could stay consistently healthy?
As the Ravens embark on each new season, the hope is that Jackson's episodes of illness will decrease in frequency, allowing him to maintain his performance and lead his team unimpeded. Regardless, his ability to overcome these health obstacles and still perform at an elite level speaks volumes about his character and determination. Every game, every snap is a testament to Jackson's resilience—a quality as vital as any physical skill in the high-stakes arena of professional football.