Lamar Jackson's Battle With Illness: A Closer Look at His NFL Journey
Since entering the NFL seven seasons ago, Lamar Jackson's career has been nothing short of remarkable, though not without its share of obstacles. One persistent issue has been his frequent bouts with illness, which have often sidelined him from practices and occasionally raised concerns among fans and team management alike.
From the moment he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, Jackson demonstrated his resilience and talent. His inaugural season saw him hospitalized for severe stomach pains just three days before his first NFL start, a moment that could have shaken any rookie. Yet, Jackson didn't just start the game; he led the Ravens to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals and made history as the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his first career start.
Despite such triumphant moments, Jackson's journey has been peppered with health-related challenges. Since 2018, he has missed at least one practice each season due to non-COVID-related illnesses. In total, Jackson has sat out 12 practices for various ailments. This year's training camp was no exception, as Jackson missed four practices during the first week.
Reflecting on these frequent illnesses, Jackson himself has remarked on the unexpected nature of his health issues. "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes," he said, expressing a mix of frustration and resignation.
The consistency of these health setbacks is a concern that Ravens head coach John Harbaugh takes seriously. "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility," Harbaugh assured, highlighting the team's commitment to player health and well-being.
Jackson's resilience shines through even as he navigates these health challenges. In 2021, he missed three practices due to illness, but his performance on the field remained stellar. His ability to bounce back is a testament to his dedication and competitive spirit. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," Jackson noted, underscoring his readiness to return to form each time adversity strikes.
Of course, Jackson's aspirations extend far beyond overcoming illnesses. His ambitions are clearly centered on achieving the highest accolades in professional football. "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," Jackson stated with determination. "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."
In pursuit of this goal, Jackson's performance has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has been named NFL MVP twice in his first six seasons, a rare and significant accomplishment that cements his status as one of the league's elite players. Despite the regular disruptions due to illness, his on-field impact remains undeniable.
The story of Lamar Jackson is one of remarkable highs and persistent challenges. His ability to lead the Ravens to victory while managing health issues speaks volumes about his tenacity and skill. Fans and analysts alike continue to be captivated by his journey, as he strives not just for personal accolades but for the ultimate team success -- clinching a Super Bowl championship.
As Jackson continues to push the boundaries of what's possible on the gridiron, his resilience in the face of recurring illness only adds to the legend of his career. With each comeback, he reaffirms his commitment to excellence and his resolve to be remembered as more than an MVP -- but as a true champion of the game.
Note: This article reflects data and events as of the current NFL season and may evolve with ongoing developments.