In the seven seasons since Lamar Jackson entered the NFL, it’s not only rival defenses that have proven to be formidable opponents. The Baltimore Ravens' star quarterback has frequently been sidelined by illnesses, shedding unexpected light on the fragility that even top athletes can face.
Jackson's Battle With Illnesses
Since being drafted by the Ravens in 2018, Jackson has missed at least one practice each season due to a non-COVID-related illness. In total, he has sat out 12 practices because of various ailments, including four during the first week of this year's training camp. His first significant bout with illness occurred midway through the 2018 season, a critical time as he was preparing for his first NFL start.
Jackson was hospitalized for severe stomach pains just three days before stepping in for the injured Joe Flacco. Exceptionally, despite this setback, he rebounded to lead the Ravens to a narrow 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Not only did Jackson secure the win, but he also etched his name in the record books, becoming the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his first career start.
Reflecting on his recurrent health issues, Jackson remarked, "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes."
Keeping a Close Eye on Health
Jackson and every other player on the Ravens undergo thorough physicals annually to monitor their health closely. Head coach John Harbaugh highlighted the rigorous health protocols the team follows, especially when a player falls ill. "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility," Harbaugh emphasized.
Despite these preventative measures, Jackson experienced a noticeable pattern of missing practices due to illness. He missed one practice in 2019 and 2020, three in 2021, and one each in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Nevertheless, his resilience and determination on the field remain undeterred. “You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now,” Jackson asserted, showing his unwavering commitment to his sport.
Focus on Football and Winning Titles
Lamar Jackson’s impact on the field speaks volumes about his talent and perseverance. In his first six seasons, Jackson was named NFL MVP twice, a feat that places him among the fastest quarterbacks to achieve this honor. Despite his health challenges, his aspirations remain lofty. "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 said, underscoring his drive and vision for the future.
While illnesses have posed occasional obstacles, Jackson’s career is a testament to his resilience and talent. His focus on being a champion, not just an MVP, reflects his enduring commitment to the Ravens and his pursuit of excellence in the NFL. Each practice and game missed due to illness is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of health, but for Jackson, these setbacks only seem to fuel his determination to achieve greatness on the gridiron.