Jackson's Journey: Battling Illnesses and Making History on the Gridiron
Since stepping into the NFL spotlight seven seasons ago, Lamar Jackson has demonstrated resilience both on and off the field. While his on-field prowess has been nothing short of electrifying, Jackson's career has also been marked by frequent illnesses, a stark contrast to his seemingly invincible college days at Louisville.
Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, Jackson quickly proved himself a formidable force. However, his journey hasn't been without its setbacks. The quarterback, known for his remarkable agility and playmaking ability, has missed at least one practice each season due to non-COVID-related illnesses. In total, Jackson has been absent from 12 practices, a recurring challenge that has shadowed his professional career.
Reflecting on his unexpected health issues, 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." This candid admission underscores the unpredictability of his health struggles, which have seen him miss multiple practices annually, including four during the first week of this year's training camp.
His health concerns began early in his NFL career. Just three days before making his first NFL start in 2018, Jackson was hospitalized for severe stomach pains. Despite this significant setback, he led the Ravens to a thrilling 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. In an extraordinary debut, Jackson became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his first career start, setting the stage for an illustrious career.
Yet, Jackson's battles with illness persisted. He missed three practices in 2021, and he was also absent from practices in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. The nature of these afflictions remains varied, but the Ravens' coaching staff is meticulous in managing his health. Head coach John Harbaugh emphasized, "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility."
Despite these challenges, Jackson's impact on the field has been undeniable. His extraordinary talent and determination have earned him the NFL MVP award twice in his first six seasons, a testament to his skill and tenacity. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," Jackson commented, showcasing his resilience and focus on the game.
Jackson's drive to achieve greatness is evident in his ambitions. "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 shared, revealing his deep-rooted desire to not only be an MVP but also to cement his legacy as a champion.
As Jackson continues to navigate his career, balancing his health with his professional commitments, his journey remains a compelling narrative of perseverance. His ability to overcome adversity and deliver stellar performances game after game speaks to his extraordinary character and dedication to football. Ravens fans and football enthusiasts alike will undoubtedly continue to watch closely, inspired by Jackson's relentless pursuit of excellence, both in spite of and because of the challenges he faces.