Princewill Pius
On March 19, 2020, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton revealed to ESPN that he tested positive for the coronavirus, making him the first person in the NFL to receive the diagnosis. “This is not just about social distancing,” Payton told the publication. “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.”
He then asked the public to “take a minute to understand what the experts are saying” and calling the act of social distancing a “small investment” that could drastically limit the spread of the virus. “I was fortunate to be in the minority, without the serious side effects that some have. I’m lucky,” he continued. “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.”
The Super Bowl-winning coach also posted a message to Twitter to update his fans. “Appreciate the well wishes,” he wrote, accompanying a selfie inside his home. “I’m feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms. 4 more days at home. #BEATCovid”
Written by: Nicki
