Lamar Jackson: A Perpetually Ill Yet Invaluable Asset
Since his entry into the NFL in 2018, Lamar Jackson has consistently proven himself to be one of the league's most thrilling quarterbacks. However, his journey has not been without its challenges, especially concerning his health. Over the course of his seven seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson has frequently been sidelined by illnesses, raising questions and concerns amongst fans and analysts alike.
It's a peculiar trend that seems to defy Jackson's previously robust health during his time at Louisville. "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes," Jackson remarked, reflecting on the baffling shift in his health since turning professional.
From the onset of his NFL career, Jackson's health has been a topic of attention. Just three days before his first NFL start in 2018, he was hospitalized for severe stomach pains. Despite this 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 their first career start. This performance not only highlighted his resilience but also set the stage for a career marked by exceptional achievements amidst consistent health challenges.
Throughout his time with the Ravens, Jackson's bouts of illnesses have led him to miss a noticeable number of practices. To date, he has missed at least one practice each season due to a non-COVID-related illness since being drafted. Specifically, he has sat out 12 practices in total, with significant absences such as the four practices he missed during the first week of this year's training camp.
In 2021, Jackson missed three practices, and in the preceding years of 2019 and 2020, he missed one practice each year. A similar pattern followed in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, with Jackson missing one practice each year.
These recurrent absences naturally lead to speculation about his health and the potential impact on his performance and the team's dynamics. However, Ravens' head coach John Harbaugh has consistently maintained confidence in Jackson's condition, ensuring that rigorous health protocols are followed. "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility," Harbaugh emphasized, reassuring that Jackson's health is closely monitored.
Jackson himself often remains unfazed by these interruptions, displaying a focused resilience. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," he stated, illustrating his typically composed attitude towards these unforeseen health issues.
Despite the health setbacks, Jackson's accolades speak volumes about his capabilities on the field. He has been named NFL MVP twice in his first six seasons, a testament to his exceptional athleticism and strategic acumen. Yet, Jackson's ambitions extend beyond personal 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 drive to lead his team to ultimate glory.
Jackson's perspective is a reminder of the broader goals that drive professional athletes. His determination to overcome personal health battles and his vision for a championship highlight the dual facets of individual health struggles and team-based success. As Jackson continues to navigate these challenges, his journey remains an intriguing blend of resilience, unpredictability, and excellence on the gridiron.
In conclusion, Lamar Jackson's career encapsulates the ironies and trials of being a top-tier athlete. His frequent illnesses and the missed practices are overshadowed by his resilience and performance on the field. As he continues to chase his championship aspirations, Jackson’s journey remains a compelling narrative in the world of professional sports.