Entering his seventh season in the NFL with a reputation both illustrious and enigmatic, Lamar Jackson remains one of the league's most electrifying talents. Yet, his career with the Baltimore Ravens has also been punctuated by frequent health concerns, a reality that continues to cast a shadow over his otherwise stellar tenure.
Since being drafted by the Ravens in 2018, Jackson has consistently found himself sidelined by various non-COVID-related illnesses, leading him to miss at least one practice each season. This ongoing issue has not only raised eyebrows but has also underscored a peculiar contrast in Jackson's professional journey. "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes," Jackson reflected, "because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes."
A Troubled Start and a Triumphant Debut
Jackson's health issues became apparent even before he made his first NFL start. Just three days prior to his professional debut in 2018, Jackson was hospitalized with severe stomach pains. Despite this setback, he managed to lead the Ravens to a thrilling 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. In doing so, he became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his first career start. That match served as a testament to his resilience and extraordinary talent, setting the tone for his future as a dynamic and dual-threat quarterback.
Recurrent Health Concerns
Over the following years, Jackson's struggle with illnesses continued to persist. In 2019 and 2020, he missed one practice each season. The situation worsened in 2021, when he missed three practices. Most recently, Jackson was forced to sit out four practices during the first week of this year's training camp. This pattern of missed practices due to various ailments, totaling 12 since he joined the league, has been a source of concern within the Ravens' organization.
Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh has remained vigilant about Jackson's health, ensuring that all possibilities are thoroughly explored. "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 player health and safety.
An MVP with Lofty Aspirations
Despite these health challenges, Jackson's on-field performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In his first six seasons, he has been named NFL MVP twice, a remarkable feat that underscores his impact on the game. However, Jackson's ambitions extend 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," Jackson declared. "That's what I want to be labeled as a champion -- not just MVP here and there. I want to be a champion."
Such statements reveal a quarterback who is not only driven by personal excellence but also by a burning desire to lead his team to the pinnacle of the sport. Jackson's vision for his career is clear: to be remembered not just as a remarkable player but as a championship-winning leader.
Looking Ahead
The question that remains is whether Jackson can maintain his health consistently enough to fulfill this ambition. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," Jackson commented, offering a glimpse of his ongoing battle with intermittent illnesses. His resilience and ability to perform under such conditions are impressive, but the Ravens and their faithful fans undoubtedly hope for a future where Jackson's health issues are a thing of the past.
As the new season looms, the Ravens' fortunes will be closely tied to the well-being of their star quarterback. Jackson's unique blend of athleticism, skill, and leadership continues to make him a cornerstone of the franchise. If he can stay healthy, there is little doubt that Jackson has the potential to achieve his ultimate goal and cement his legacy as not just an MVP, but a true champion in the NFL.