From Louisville to the NFL: The Complex Health Journey of Lamar Jackson
Since his entrance into the NFL in 2018, Lamar Jackson's career has been a tale of extraordinary athleticism paired with intermittent bouts of illness. Despite his struggles with health, Jackson has undeniably made a significant impact on the league, leading the Baltimore Ravens with both his arm and his legs.
Jackson's entry into the NFL was marked by an immediate challenge. Just three days before his first professional start, he was hospitalized for severe stomach pains. Despite this harrowing experience, Jackson showcased his resilience and talent by leading the Ravens to a 24-21 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. This remarkable debut saw him become the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his first career start, setting the tone for a dynamic career.
However, the road has not been entirely smooth. Each season since 2018, Jackson has faced setbacks due to various illnesses, resulting in missed practices. Specifically, he has missed at least one practice per season due to non-COVID-related illnesses, culminating in a total of twelve missed sessions. Most recently, Jackson sat out four practices during the first week of this year's training camp, a situation that has sparked concern and speculation regarding his well-being.
Reflecting on his health struggles, Jackson himself noted the unusual frequency of his illnesses since joining the NFL. "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes," he shared, echoing a sentiment of bewilderment shared by fans and analysts alike.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has consistently addressed these health issues with vigilance. "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility," Harbaugh explained, emphasizing the team's commitment to ensuring Jackson's health and readiness to play.
The 2021 season was particularly challenging, with Jackson missing three practices due to illness. Furthermore, he missed one practice each in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023, underscoring a persistent pattern that has been difficult for the team to navigate.
Yet, even with these health-related setbacks, Jackson's performance on the field has been nothing short of stellar. He has been named NFL MVP twice within his first six seasons, a testament to his exceptional skill and leadership. His versatility as both a passer and a runner has continually confounded defenses, and his drive to succeed remains undiminished.
Jackson's ambition goes 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, highlighting a career goal that keeps him motivated.
Despite the unpredictability of his health, Jackson's ability to bounce back and perform at an elite level speaks volumes about his character and dedication to the sport. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," Jackson reassured, signaling his readiness to continue leading the Ravens with his trademark dynamism.
As he navigates the complex interplay of health and high-stakes professional football, Lamar Jackson remains a figure of inspiration and intrigue. The resilience he demonstrates in the face of recurring illness mirrors his on-field tenacity, promising fans and teammates that, regardless of the obstacles, he is committed to driving the Ravens toward success.