Lamar Jackson: A Blaze of Brilliance Despite Frequent Sick Days
Since stepping into the limelight of the NFL seven seasons ago, Lamar Jackson has become one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the league and a beacon of versatility for the Baltimore Ravens. However, the exhilarating journey of this two-time NFL MVP has been intermittently marred by recurrent illnesses.
Resilience is a trait Jackson continues to exemplify, facing the rigors of the NFL with an unyielding spirit. Despite being frequently sidelined by various ailments, his performances have remained nothing short of remarkable. From his rookie season in 2018, Jackson has missed at least one practice each year due to non-COVID-related illnesses, cumulatively sitting out 12 practices over this period.
One of the most notable episodes occurred just three days before his first NFL start when Jackson was hospitalized with severe stomach pains. Yet, in a dazzling display of talent and tenacity, he led the Ravens to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Moreover, Jackson made history as the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his debut start.
“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, revealing his struggles with recurring illnesses since entering the professional league. Despite these setbacks, Jackson remains an indomitable force on the field.
A Start Like No Other
Jackson’s journey is a narrative of exceptional athletic prowess combined with a resolve to overcome obstacles. His first career start was not just about marking his territory; it was about setting a precedent. Jackson’s prowess on the field has continued to uplift the Ravens, his rushing ability redefining the quarterback position.
Throughout his career, Jackson’s missed practices have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. The Ravens' head coach, John Harbaugh, reassured stakeholders, stating, “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 ensuring Jackson’s health and readiness for every game.
Handling Adversity
The 2021 season saw Jackson miss three practices due to various ailments, while 2019 and 2020 each saw him miss one practice. The pattern continued into the 2022 and 2023 seasons, with Jackson missing at least one practice each year. Most recently, he was absent for four practices during the first week of this year’s training camp, a development that once again brought his health into the spotlight.
Despite these interruptions, Jackson’s on-field contributions remain undiminished. He maintains a perspective of optimism and determination, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of illnesses. “You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now,” Jackson stated, showcasing his readiness to bounce back.
An Unyielding Champion
Jackson’s success is not solely measured by his MVP titles; his ambition extends to the pinnacle of NFL achievement. “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 passionately declared.
The journey to becoming a champion is littered with challenges, both on and off the field. Yet, Jackson’s dedication to his craft, combined with his resilience in the face of health adversities, charts a promising path forward. Each game, each practice session — whether attended or missed — forms part of an intricate mosaic depicting the career of one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks.
As Jackson continues to forge ahead, the narrative of his career remains one of extraordinary talent intertwined with a relentless drive to overcome the unforeseen hurdles of illnesses. In the face of such challenges, Jackson stands not just as an MVP but as a symbol of perseverance and a testament to the ravenous spirit of a champion-in-the-making.