Since stepping onto the NFL stage in 2018, Lamar Jackson has been a headline magnet, captivating fans with his electrifying playmaking ability and dazzling athleticism. However, a recurring theme throughout his career has been his battles with various illnesses. Over the seven seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson’s presence at practice sessions has frequently been interrupted due to non-COVID-related illnesses, a pattern that has intrigued and sometimes concerned fans and analysts alike.
Jackson's illness-related absences have been a yearly occurrence since his rookie season. In total, he has missed 12 practices due to sickness. The ailments that kept him off the practice field range in severity, including an instance in 2018 when he was hospitalized for severe stomach pains just three days before his first NFL start. Reflecting on this pattern, Jackson himself 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."
Despite these challenges, Jackson’s on-field performance has been nothing short of spectacular. In his debut start, he led the Ravens to a narrow 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals and made history by becoming the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his first career start. His dual-threat capability has left defenses scrambling for answers and has solidified his status as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.
Jackson’s health issues have not gone unnoticed by the Ravens' coaching staff. Head coach John Harbaugh explained the team’s approach to ensuring their star player remains in top form, stating, "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility." This meticulous attention aims to provide Jackson with the best medical care and preemptively address any health concerns that might arise.
The 2021 season saw Jackson miss three practices due to illness, while he missed one practice each in the 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 seasons. This year’s training camp also started on a familiar note, with Jackson missing four practices during the first week. Despite these absences, Jackson maintains a positive outlook. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," he remarked, underscoring his resilience.
His resilience extends beyond battling illnesses. Jackson’s ambitions are clear and firmly set on reaching the pinnacle of football success—winning a Super Bowl. "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 candidly expressed.
Named NFL MVP twice within his first six seasons, Jackson’s skill on the field is undisputed. His drive and determination to achieve both personal and team success reflect his competitive spirit and commitment to excellence. Each game, each practice, and each setback he faces, Jackson approaches with a mentality rooted in perseverance and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
Looking at his journey so far, it is evident that while Jackson’s path has been occasionally marred by health setbacks, his ability to overcome these challenges has only added to his legend. Whether orchestrating a game-winning drive or recovering swiftly from an illness, Lamar Jackson’s narrative is one of grit, talent, and an unyielding quest for NFL glory.