Lamar Jackson's Battle: Talent and Tenacity Amidst Adversity
In the world of professional football, few players have captured the imagination of fans quite like Lamar Jackson. Since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, Jackson has not only dazzled on the field with his remarkable performances but also demonstrated resilience in the face of recurring health issues.
Despite his evident talents, Jackson has been frequently sidelined by various illnesses. In the seven seasons since his entry into the NFL, he has missed at least one practice every season due to a non-COVID-related ailment. This troubling trend has resulted in Jackson sitting out 12 practices over the course of his career, underscoring the ongoing challenge he faces in maintaining peak physical health.
Jackson's struggle with illnesses didn't take long to manifest. Just three days before his first NFL start in 2018, Jackson found himself hospitalized with severe stomach pains. Nevertheless, his determination was undeterred. In that debut game, Jackson led the Ravens to a thrilling 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, and in doing so, etched his name in the record books by becoming the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his first career start.
Reflecting on his frequent bouts of illness, Jackson remarked, "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes." This sentiment highlights Jackson's puzzlement over his health issues, a contrast to his collegiate years where he rarely encountered such problems.
A Pattern of Persistence
The 2021 season saw Jackson missing three practices, a number that further illustrates the persistence of his health challenges. Similarly, he missed one practice each in the 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 seasons. Most recently, Jackson's health woes re-emerged during the first week of this year's training camp, where he missed four practices.
Through it all, Jackson's commitment to the game and his team remains unwavering. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh commented on the thorough precautionary measures taken whenever Jackson falls ill, saying, "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility." This statement affirms the team's diligent approach to safeguarding the health of their star quarterback.
Jackson himself recently shrugged off his latest encounter with illness, stating, "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now." His resolute attitude is a testament to his focus on recovery and returning to the field as quickly as possible.
Eyes on the Ultimate Prize
Jackson's individual accolades are impressive. He has twice been named NFL MVP in his first six seasons, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about his on-field brilliance. However, Jackson's ambitions stretch far beyond personal awards. "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 asserted.
His words reveal a deep-seated drive to achieve the pinnacle of success in football – leading his team to a Super Bowl victory. It's a goal that has remained front and center for Jackson since the day he was drafted, and it's this relentless pursuit of excellence that continues to inspire his teammates and fans alike.
As Lamar Jackson continues his career, balancing extraordinary talent with the challenges posed by his health, his story serves as an enduring reminder of the resilience and determination that define true champions. The road has not always been smooth, but Jackson's journey is far from over, and the football world eagerly watches as he strives to transform his vision of greatness into reality.