Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, one player's journey has been both remarkable and turbulent: Lamar Jackson. Since entering the league in 2018, Jackson’s career has been marked by both his extraordinary performances on the field and a recurrent battle with various illnesses that have sidelined him at crucial moments. His story is one of resilience, talent, and an unyielding desire for greatness.
Early Struggles with Illness
Jackson’s battle with illness started quite dramatically. Just three days before his NFL debut in 2018, the young quarterback was hospitalized for severe stomach pains. Despite this setback, he led the Baltimore Ravens to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in his first career start. Not only did he secure a win for his team, but he also became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his debut game.
Frequent Setbacks
Unfortunately, Jackson's issues with illness did not end there. In the seven seasons since his arrival in the NFL, he has missed at least one practice each season due to a non-COVID-related illness. Over this period, he has sat out 12 practices in total, with varied ailments being the culprit. Despite these challenges, Jackson's performance on the field has remained stellar.
Jackson himself has pondered the source of these frequent ailments. “Man, I’ll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes,” he reflected. Head coach John Harbaugh also acknowledged the extensive care the team provides, saying, “Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you’re sick. So, they look at every possibility.”
The Impact of Illness
The impact of these illnesses has been significant. For instance, during the first week of this year’s training camp, Jackson was absent for four practices. In 2021, he missed three practices, and he was similarly absent for one practice each in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. These absences, while concerning, have yet to overshadow his talent.
Exceptional Achievements
Despite these setbacks, Jackson's list of accomplishments is impressive. He has been named NFL MVP twice in his first six seasons, a testament to his athletic prowess and leadership on the field. Such accolades underscore his ability to overcome adversity and perform at the highest levels, irrespective of the health challenges he faces.
A Steadfast Commitment to Greatness
If there is one constant in Jackson’s career, it is his unwavering commitment to excellence. “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 declares.
Remarkably, Jackson maintains an upbeat attitude about his health challenges. “You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now,” he said, emphasizing his resilience and positive outlook.
Conclusion
Lamar Jackson's NFL career is a compelling narrative of triumph over adversity. While his frequent illnesses have undoubtedly been a hurdle, they have not defined his journey. Instead, his resilience, talent, and commitment to greatness have shaped his legacy. As Jackson continues to lead the Ravens and pursue his dream of becoming a champion, his story serves as an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved with unwavering determination and exceptional talent.