Lamar Jackson: A Quarterback Battling the Elements
Since joining the NFL in 2018, Lamar Jackson has made headlines not only for his electric performances on the field but also for the mysterious bouts of illnesses that have often sidelined him. These ailments have been a recurring theme throughout his seven seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, casting a shadow over an otherwise stellar career.
Despite being a critical pillar for the Ravens and amassing accolades including two NFL MVP titles, Jackson has seen his practice time cut short by various illnesses. These health interruptions began almost immediately after he was drafted. "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes," Jackson reflected on his health history.
Jackson’s first notable health scare came in 2018, just three days before his much-anticipated NFL debut, when he was hospitalized with severe stomach pains. This unforeseen hurdle did not prevent him from leading the Ravens to a narrow 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, marking a historical milestone as he became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his first career start.
The health issues persisted. Since his debut, Jackson has missed at least one practice each season due to non-COVID-related ailments. In total, he has sat out 12 practices because of these illnesses. The 2021 season was particularly challenging, with Jackson missing three practice sessions. The trend continued in 2019, 2020, 2022, and the current season, each seeing the quarterback absent for at least one practice.
This year has been no different. The Ravens' training camp was greeted with the news that Jackson had to miss four practices in the first week alone. While frequent absences could be a point of concern for any team, the Ravens remain vigilant and proactive. Head Coach John Harbaugh noted, "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility."
Indeed, the reason behind these recurrent ailments remains elusive. Jackson himself has expressed a laid-back acceptance of his circumstances. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," he commented, displaying a calm approach to his health woes.
Despite these interruptions, Jackson's focus has never wavered. His ambitions run deep, seeking not only to excel personally but also to guide his team to greatness. "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," he stated emphatically.
Jackson’s determination paints a vivid picture of a quarterback who, despite recurring setbacks, remains undeterred in his quest for greatness. The repeated illnesses may have become an unexpected component of his career narrative, yet they have also highlighted his resilience and unwavering commitment to his team and personal goals.
As the Baltimore Ravens aim to solidify their position as perennial contenders, the hope remains that Jackson's battles with illnesses do not overshadow his contributions on the field. His ability to perform at the highest level, even under the constant threat of unexpected health issues, speaks volumes about his professionalism and dedication to the sport.
Each season, the wait to see if Jackson can lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl title becomes an intriguing subplot. Fans and analysts alike wonder whether this could be the year he remains healthy enough to showcase his full repertoire throughout an entire campaign. His history-defying rushes and his arm's precision make him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in recent memory.
For now, Lamar Jackson continues to balance the dichotomy of his football brilliance with the unpredictability of his health. While the bug bites and illnesses have been persistent, so has his drive to overcome them, setting the stage for yet another chapter in his compelling NFL journey.