Saints coach Sean Payton becomes first NFL case of coronavirus
By Ryan Brown
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton announced Thursday he has COVID-19, making him the first coronavirus case confirmed in the NFL.
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has tested positive for coronavirus.
Saints’ HC Sean Payton tested positive for the coronavirus, he told ESPN on Thursday. Payton is the first person in the NFL world known to test positive for the virus.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported that Payton came forward because “he wants all people to heed the warnings of government officials, stay inside, and behave responsibly.”
Payton, 56, is younger than the most at-risk group of people 60 years and older. Still, Payton said he wasn’t feeling well on Sunday, was tested for the coronavirus on Monday even though he has no fever or cough, and was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
Appreciate the well wishes. I'm feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms. 4 more days at home.#BEATCovid pic.twitter.com/vvjbnqoeZx
— Sean Payton (@SeanPayton) March 19, 2020
What Payton also told ESPN is important for everyone to keep in mind during this time.
"“This is not just about social distancing,” Payton said. “It’s shutting down here for a week to two weeks. If people understand the curve, and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it. Take a minute to understand what the experts are saying. It’s not complicated to do what they’re asking of us. Just that type of small investment by every one of us will have a dramatic impact.“I was fortunate to be in the minority, without the serious side effects that some have. I’m lucky. Younger people feel like they can handle this, but they can be a carrier to someone who can’t handle it. So we all need to do our part. It’s important for every one of us to do our part.”"
While Payton is the first active case in the NFL, he’s far from the first one in pro sports. The NBA has been dealing with cases for more than a week, including Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert and his teammate, Donovan Mitchell. The Brooklyn Nets also have multiple cases including superstar Kevin Durant.
Despite coronavirus having a significant impact on the United States, the NFL did not delay the start of free agency. The tampering period began on Monday at noon ET, while the new league year began on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, allowing deals in principle to become official.