A Persistent Battle: Lamar Jackson’s Unseen Opponent
Throughout his illustrious career, Lamar Jackson has dazzled football fans and critics alike with his electrifying performances on the field. However, despite his impressive feats and accolades, Jackson has grappled with an unseen adversary that has repeatedly tested his resilience: recurring illnesses. Since joining the NFL in 2018, Jackson has consistently missed practice sessions each season due to non-COVID-related ailments, a trend that has not gone unnoticed.
Jackson's bouts with illness began even before his first NFL start. Just three days prior to leading the Ravens to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, he was hospitalized for severe stomach pains. Remarkably, Jackson not only played but also made history, becoming the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his debut start. Despite such a strong beginning, the issue of his recurring illnesses would persist.
This season was no different. During the first week of training camp, Jackson missed four practices due to illness. Over his seven-season career, he has sat out a total of 12 practices for various ailments. Given his pivotal role in the Ravens' offense, each absence prompts concern among fans and the team's management. John Harbaugh, the Ravens' head coach, emphasized the thoroughness of their medical evaluations: "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility."
The frequency of Jackson’s ailments raises questions, particularly because his collegiate career at Louisville was notably free of such disruptions. “Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes,” Jackson remarked, reflecting on the stark contrast between his health during his college years and his time in the NFL.
Despite the interruptions, Jackson's performance on the field has been nothing short of exceptional. He has clinched the NFL MVP award twice in his first six seasons, underscoring his impact and value to the team. Yet, for Jackson, personal accolades like the MVP are secondary to his ultimate goal: “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.”
This dogged determination to lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory continues to drive him, despite the health setbacks. Even when he missed practices in 2021, one each in 2019 and 2020, and once each in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Jackson’s focus remained unwavering. He often downplays the illnesses, attributing them to unfortunate timing rather than a chronic issue: "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now."
Jackson's resilience and ability to perform under duress may well be the qualities that define his legacy. His contributions to the Ravens extend beyond statistics, inspiring teammates and fans with his perseverance and commitment. Each game is a testament to his strength, not just physically but mentally, as he continually battles through personal adversity.
As Jackson continues his career, his battle with illnesses serves as a reminder of the myriad challenges professional athletes face. It’s a testament to Jackson’s character that, despite these setbacks, he remains one of the most formidable and thrilling players in the NFL. His journey highlights the intersection of talent, determination, and resilience – elements that keep fans hopeful for the championship he so fervently seeks.