Journey of Lamar Jackson: Overcoming Illness and Achieving Greatness
Since entering the NFL in 2018, Lamar Jackson has become one of the league's most captivating quarterbacks. His unique blend of passing precision and rushing prowess has brought electrifying moments to the Baltimore Ravens. However, Jackson's career has also been marked by frequent bouts with illness, sidelining him from practices multiple times each season.
Illness has been a recurring theme for Jackson, who has missed at least one practice due to non-COVID-related ailments every year since joining the Ravens. Reflecting on his unusual frequency of illnesses, 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." Indeed, since his rookie year, illness has forced Jackson to sit out a total of 12 practices.
The challenges began even before Jackson's first NFL start. Just three days ahead of his debut in 2018, Jackson was hospitalized with severe stomach pains. Despite the setback, Jackson led the Ravens to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, becoming the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his first career start. This game was a prelude to the kind of dynamic play that would earn him two NFL MVP titles within his first six seasons.
Being frequently sidelined due to illness has not dampened Jackson’s drive. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh commented on the team's thorough protocols for sick players, saying, "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility." This diligence ensures Jackson receives the best care, enabling him to return to the field as quickly and safely as possible.
Jackson’s resilience was on display during the first week of this year's training camp, where he missed four practices due to illness. While such absences can disrupt preparation, Jackson's focus remains unshaken. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," he said, demonstrating his ability to bounce back swiftly.
His aspirations stretch beyond individual accolades. "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 declared, underscoring his desire to lead the Ravens to ultimate glory.
Throughout his career, Jackson has shown that he can overcome adversity and remain a top performer. His remarkable achievements on the field, despite recurrent illnesses, speak volumes about his dedication and tenacity. As Jackson continues to navigate the challenges posed by his health, fans and teammates alike remain optimistic about his potential to lead the Ravens to a championship.
With each season, Jackson further establishes himself as a cornerstone of the Ravens' future. His journey is a compelling narrative of a player who not only breaks records and barriers but also pushes through the physical toll of his profession. For Jackson, the goal is clear: to transform the tenacity that has made him MVP into the perseverance that makes him a champion.