Since making his NFL debut in 2018, Lamar Jackson has become one of the league's most electrifying players. However, his journey has had its share of health-related interruptions. Jackson, who has played seven seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, has missed practices every season due to various non-COVID-related illnesses. This persistent issue has sidelined him on over a dozen occasions, a peculiar trend given his robust college career.
Despite these setbacks, Jackson has proven to be a formidable force on the field. In his first start against the Cincinnati Bengals, just three days after being hospitalized for severe stomach pains, Jackson led the Ravens to a 24-21 victory. Notably, he became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his debut game. This historic performance set the tone for a career highlighted by such milestones.
Jackson's health woes started early in his NFL career. In his rookie season, he battled severe stomach issues that landed him in the hospital days before his anticipated first NFL start. Over the years, his absences due to illness have included four missed practices during the initial week of this year's training camp alone.
When reflecting on his frequent illnesses, Jackson commented, “Man, I’ll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes.” These words reflect an ongoing enigma for both Jackson and the Ravens' organization.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the thorough medical attention Jackson receives. “Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you’re sick. So, they look at every possibility,” said Harbaugh. The rigorous approach aims to ensure that Jackson remains healthy enough to maintain his game-changing presence on the field.
Despite the health interruptions, Jackson's aspirations remain clear. “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 focus on achieving the ultimate goal in the NFL is undeterred.
Jackson's career thus far has been a mix of spectacular play and unfortunate illnesses. He was named NFL MVP twice in his first six seasons, a rare achievement that underscores his exceptional talent. However, the disruptions due to illness are a recurring challenge, evident from his missed practices spanning each season: one practice each in 2019 and 2020, three in 2021, and one each in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Jackson's unprecedented situations draw intrigue. “You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now,” Jackson noted, highlighting the unpredictable nature of his health issues. Each season, his determination and resilience are tested, yet his on-field performance continues to shine.
In summary, Lamar Jackson's career is marked by both accolades and adversities. His dual MVP titles and historic performances are testaments to his talent. At the same time, his persistent battles with illnesses present a unique challenge, leaving many to wonder how much more dominant he could be without these interruptions. Nonetheless, Jackson's ultimate goal remains clear: to be more than an MVP, to be a champion.