Lamar Jackson: The Resilient MVP Battling Through Illness
Since his entry into the NFL, Lamar Jackson has been nothing short of a phenomenon. Known for his electrifying playing style and dual-threat capabilities, Jackson has continually proven his worth on the field. However, his career has also been punctuated by frequent bouts with illness. This recurring theme has seen Jackson sideline himself from numerous practices, yet he consistently returns to lead the Baltimore Ravens with verve and determination.
In his seven seasons with the Ravens, Jackson has missed practices every year due to non-COVID-related illnesses. From the start, it seemed like health-related challenges chose to accompany him on his professional journey. Yet, his resolve remained unshaken. Reflecting on his collegiate years, Jackson once noted, "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes."
The illness didn’t deter Jackson in his debut season. Just days before his first NFL start in 2018, he was hospitalized with severe stomach pains. This would have rattled many rookies, but Jackson took it in stride, leading the Ravens to a narrow and remarkable 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Notably, he became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his initial start, a testament to his indomitable spirit and exceptional talent.
Despite health setbacks, Jackson's achievements on the field have been undeniable. Over six seasons, he has been named the NFL MVP twice, a rare accolade that underscores his extraordinary skill and the impact he has made in the league. Yet, for Jackson, the MVP titles are just steps toward a loftier goal. “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,” he emphasized, setting his sights clearly on winning a Super Bowl.
Throughout his career, Jackson has missed a total of 12 practices due to various ailments. In 2019 and 2020, he missed just one practice each year. The toll increased slightly in 2021 when he had to sit out three practices. More recently, he missed one practice each in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. However, the first week of this year's training camp saw Jackson missing four practices, raising concerns but not diminishing fans' optimism.
John Harbaugh, the Ravens' head coach, has always been transparent about Jackson's health assessments. "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility,” Harbaugh assured, highlighting the exhaustive care steps taken to ensure Jackson is in optimal condition.
Jackson's resilience in the face of these challenges is nothing short of inspirational. He candidly shared his thoughts on his health, stating, "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now." This positive outlook has become a hallmark of Jackson’s approach, focusing not on the setbacks but on the comebacks.
As fans and analysts look forward to the coming seasons, Lamar Jackson's health will undoubtedly remain a point of attention. However, every time he dons his gear and steps onto the field, Jackson continues to epitomize the blend of talent, resilience, and determination that defines a true sports icon. With his unwavering commitment to not just personal milestones, but team greatness, Jackson's journey in the NFL remains a compelling narrative of overcoming odds and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in professional sports.