Jackson does not commit to vaccine

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said he suffered the same symptoms as the first time about eight months ago and slept a lot because of fatigue.
OWINGS MILLS — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson declined to commit to discussing whether he would be vaccinated after becoming infected with COVID-19 twice in the past eight months, noting that it is a “personal decision.”

“I just got off the COVID list,” Jackson said after Monday’s practice, when asked if he would vaccinate. “I have to go talk to my team regarding that and see how they feel about it. Continue to learn as much as I can. We’ll go from there.”

Does that mean he’s thinking about getting vaccinated?

“We’ll see,” Jackson replied. “Talking to the doctors. We’ll see.”

Jackson returned to training camp Saturday after missing 10 days, the NFL’s mandatory quarantine for unvaccinated players who test positive. He admitted that he dealt with the same symptoms from the coronavirus this time, and that he slept a lot because of fatigue.

Reporters asked Jackson nine COVID-related questions during his nine-minute media session. Jackson appeared loose and animated, even when asked for the third time regarding getting vaccinated.

“I feel like it’s a personal decision,” Jackson said. “I’m just going to keep my feelings with my family and myself. I’m focused on getting better now. I can’t get bogged down with that … How other people feel. Just, just trying to get back into the right routine.”

When asked for his reaction to when he learned he had tested positive a second time, Jackson uttered a few words in anger and flapped his arms in denial.

“What the f— … again?” recounted Jackson, flashing a smile. “It was crazy. It broke my heart. I wasn’t expecting that at all. Right before camp … not again, not now.”

Jackson, 24, said he has no concerns about the long-term effects of COVID-19.

“I’m taking it day by day now,” Jackson said. “I’m just happy to be back with my guys.”