Sean Payton tests positive for coronavirus, NFL’s first confirmed case
Saints head coach Sean Payton has tested positive for the coronavirus, the NFL’s first confirmed case as the sports world continues to be rocked.
For the past week or so as NFL free agency has been getting off to a fast start, it has largely allowed sports fans a respite from the coronavirus news-cycle that has been dominant. Furthermore, it’s been an oasis of sports as virtually every league throughout at the world has been put on hold due to the outbreak. But now one of the NFL’s most prominent coaches, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, has confirmed he tested positive for COVID-19
Payton released the news via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, saying that he tested positive. In doing so, he is now the first confirmed case in the NFL world at this point. The 56-year-old said he felt as if he had a cold and went to the doctor on Sunday (March 15) and that’s when he tested positive for the coronavirus.
In going public, Payton did send out a sort of PSA to the general public regarding the outbreak that has shaken the sports world and world at large.
Sean Payton to @espn: "If people understand the curve & understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it. Take a minute to understand what the experts are saying. Just that type of small investment by every one of us will have a dramatic impact."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020
Payton also went on Twitter himself to update everyone on his status, thanking fans for well wishes and saying that he’s “feeling better” now.
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
While the NBA and NHL have suspended play, MLB has postponed the start of their 2020 season, along with the PGA Tour, all worldwide soccer leagues and many more sports being effected by the coronavirus, the NFL had largely remained untouched. Sean Payton testing positive is a stark reminder that the league isn’t in its own bubble.
As free agency and NFL Draft prep would normally be in full swing, the Saints and the rest of the NFL have suspended meetings between players/prospects and scouts or executives. Moreover, the NFL Draft itself has been closed to the public. Even if the league isn’t playing games, they are still being affected. And as Payton is only the first confirmed case, there could be more that are currently unknown.
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Simply put, we don’t know how the spread of coronavirus will affect the NFL further, including offseason workouts or even something like the preseason or regular season. Payton testing positive, however, is a harrowing wake-up call to the NFL world.