An Unpredictable Journey: Lamar Jackson's Battle with Illnesses in the NFL
Since entering the NFL in 2018, Lamar Jackson has been nothing short of a phenomenon on the field. Frequently lauded for his unique dual-threat capabilities, Jackson has encountered a series of illnesses that have sidelined him repeatedly over his seven-season career. Despite these challenges, Jackson’s talent and resilience have kept him at the forefront of NFL stardom.
An Unexpected Struggle
Jackson's journey with the Baltimore Ravens has been peppered with surprising bouts of illness. Notably, he has missed at least one practice every season due to non-COVID-related ailments. In total, the Ravens' quarterback has been absent from 12 practices due to various health issues.
These setbacks began right at the start of his professional career. Just three days before his first NFL start in 2018, Jackson was hospitalized with severe stomach pains. Despite the health scare, Jackson led the Ravens to a thrilling 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in that game, making history as the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his debut start. This performance was a testament to his exceptional skill and determination.
Recurring Health Issues
Jackson's troubles with illness continued over the years. In 2019 and 2020, he missed one practice each year. The 2021 season saw him out for three practices, and he has since missed one practice each in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. This year's training camp was no exception, with Jackson missing four practices during the first week.
The frequent health issues have raised concerns and questions about Jackson's overall wellness. Reflecting on his experiences, Jackson himself has noted the peculiarity of his situation. "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, highlighting the unpredictable nature of his ailments.
Comprehensive Health Monitoring
Given his critical role in the team, the Ravens have ensured thorough monitoring of Jackson’s health. Head coach John Harbaugh emphasized the extensive care Jackson receives, saying, "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility." This rigorous approach underscores the team's commitment to maintaining Jackson's health to prevent further disruptions.
Despite the bacterial bugs and health scares, Jackson maintains an admirable perspective. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," he mentioned, showing his resilience and determination to push forward.
A Champ in the Making
Jackson’s career has not just been about overcoming illnesses. His on-field achievements are a testament to his invaluable contribution to the NFL. Among his accolades, Jackson has been named the NFL MVP twice within his first six seasons—a remarkable achievement that underscores his extraordinary talent and perseverance.
But for Jackson, these individual accomplishments are just part of the journey. His ultimate goal remains clear: to become a champion. "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 declared.
As he continues to navigate the unpredictable terrain of health challenges, Jackson remains a cornerstone of the Ravens. His story is one of relentless pursuit—whether vying for titles on the field or battling unseen ailments off it. Each season brings a new chapter for the quarterback who, despite the odds, consistently demonstrates why he is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL.