Since his entry into the NFL in 2018, Lamar Jackson has become one of the league’s most electrifying players, not just for his exemplary performances but also for his frequent bouts with illness. Despite these health challenges, Jackson has consistently demonstrated resilience and exceptional athletic prowess on the field.
Jackson’s tenure with the Ravens has been marked by consistent excellence marred by sporadic health issues. In the seven seasons since he was drafted, Jackson has missed at least one practice each year due to non-COVID-related illnesses, totaling 12 missed practices. This pattern started even before his inaugural game, when he was hospitalized for severe stomach pains just three days prior. Remarkably, Jackson overcame this hurdle, leading the Ravens to a narrow 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in his first NFL start, where he also made history as the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his debut game.
Jackson’s ability to overcome adversity is perhaps best encapsulated by his comments reflecting on his college years at the University of Louisville. “Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes,” he remarked, pondering the stark contrast between his collegiate and professional health experiences.
Over the years, Jackson’s occasional health setbacks have varied in severity. In 2021, he missed three practices, while in 2019 and 2020, he missed just one practice each year. The trend continued into the 2022 and 2023 seasons with one practice missed each year. Notably, he missed four practices during the first week of training camp this year, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh underscored the thoroughness with which the team handles such situations, stating, "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility." This diligent approach ensures that both Jackson’s health and the team’s performance remain uncompromised.
Despite these health concerns, Jackson’s contributions to the Ravens have been nothing short of extraordinary. He has twice been named NFL MVP, an accolade that highlights his unparalleled talent and leadership. Jackson himself has never shied away from expressing his ultimate goal in the sport: “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's tenacity and determination to achieve greatness despite his health challenges is a testament to his character and commitment to the game. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," Jackson mentioned, providing a glimpse into his attitude toward overcoming these obstacles.
As the Ravens continue to vie for dominance in the NFL, Jackson remains a pivotal figure. His extraordinary skill set, combined with his ability to overcome personal health challenges, fortifies his status as not just a phenomenal player but also a symbol of perseverance and dedication in professional sports. His journey continues to inspire not only his teammates and fans but the broader sports community, illustrating that true greatness often involves overcoming the most unexpected hurdles.