Lamar Jackson: A Resilient Force Despite Frequent Setbacks
Since his entrance into the NFL in 2018, Lamar Jackson has been a dynamic presence on the field, showcasing his remarkable talent and resilience despite frequent absences due to various illnesses. Jackson, drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, has missed at least one practice each season due to non-COVID-related illnesses. This recurring issue has sidelined him from 12 practices over seven seasons, yet his performance remains stellar.
"Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes," Jackson reflected on his unexpected pattern of illnesses. His first bout came just three days before his first NFL start in 2018, when he was hospitalized for severe stomach pains. Despite this setback, Jackson managed to lead the Ravens to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Notably, he became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his initial NFL start, setting the tone for his career.
This pattern of illness-induced absences continued, with Jackson missing one practice each year from 2019 to 2023. The reasons behind these sidelined periods have varied, but Jackson and the Ravens have taken them in stride. Head Coach John Harbaugh noted, "Lamar gets tested... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility." The thorough testing has provided some assurance, but it hasn't completely eliminated the unpredictability of these episodes.
One of the more impactful episodes occurred this year, with Jackson missing four practices during the first week of training camp. Yet, his resilience shone through once again. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," Jackson assured fans and the team alike.
Despite these setbacks, Jackson's resolve and ambition have never wavered. His career so far has been marked by remarkable achievements, including being named NFL MVP twice in his first six seasons. This milestone positions him among the elite in the league, but Jackson's aspirations go beyond personal accolades. "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," he firmly stated.
Jackson's vision for his career is clear. Despite the unpredictable nature of his health, his focus remains on leading the Ravens to greater heights. His journey has been a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to his team and his goals.
As Jackson continues to navigate the challenges that come his way, his ability to perform at a high level even when not at peak physical condition is a testament to his strength and determination. Ravens fans and the broader NFL community can only look forward to what more this exceptional player will achieve, illnesses notwithstanding.