Lamar Jackson: Grappling with Unforeseen Challenges
In the span of seven seasons since his NFL debut, Lamar Jackson has arguably revolutionized the quarterback position with his dynamic playmaking abilities. Yet, despite his on-field heroics, Jackson's journey through the league has been punctuated by a series of unexpected health challenges that have forced him to sit out on multiple occasions.
Since joining the Ravens in 2018, Jackson has missed at least one practice each season due to non-COVID-related illnesses. It started ominously, just three days before his first NFL start, when Jackson was hospitalized for severe stomach pains. Undeterred, he went on to lead the Ravens to a narrow 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, rushing for 100 yards and becoming the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to achieve such a feat in his debut.
These health setbacks have continued to plague Jackson throughout his career. To date, he has missed a total of 12 practices because of various ailments. The issue resurfaced ominously during the first week of this year's training camp when he missed four practices. The frequency of these absences has not gone unnoticed. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh remarked, "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility." This rigorous approach indicates the team's dedication to ensuring their star quarterback remains in top shape.
Despite these health issues, Jackson's performances on the field have been nothing short of spectacular. He has been named NFL MVP twice in his first six seasons, a testament to his resilience and talent. Yet, Jackson remains perplexed about his recurring illnesses. Reflecting on his time at the University of Louisville, he said, "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes." His contemplation reveals a sense of frustration and disbelief, a stark contrast to his otherwise unshakeable demeanor.
Even with the challenges, Jackson's commitment to his craft and his team remains unwavering. "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 stated. His focus is clear: despite individual accolades, his ultimate goal is to lead his team to the pinnacle of NFL success.
The 2021 season saw Jackson miss three practices, while in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023, he missed one practice each year. These absences, although causing concern, have not significantly impeded his performance on game days. Jackson’s ability to bounce back from these setbacks and still perform at an elite level underscores his mental and physical fortitude.
Jackson's recurrent health issues raise questions, but his determination to overcome them is never in doubt. As the Ravens continue to rely on their star quarterback, the hope within the organization and among fans is that these illnesses will eventually subside, allowing Jackson to maintain his health and focus entirely on his game. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," Jackson once explained, his optimism shining through despite the circumstances.
In an industry where consistency is key, Jackson’s resilience and ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges have been crucial. His ambition and drive to be more than just an MVP, to be a champion, remain the guiding force in his career. As the seasons continue and the challenges persist, Lamar Jackson’s journey serves as a compelling narrative of triumph amidst adversity, a tale of a player who refuses to be defined by his setbacks but instead by his unyielding quest for greatness.