Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints Head Coach, Becomes 1st NFL Case to Test Positive for COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has been a major disruptive force to the sports world, with events on hold and the entire season now facing a shutdown. In the NFL, in particular, there is now a first known positive case.

As ESPN reported yesterday, Sean Payton, the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, has become the first person in the NFL to test positive for the global pandemic.

Citing a tweet from the 56-year-old, the news medium pointed out that Payton decided to get tested after he found that he was feeling uneasy this past Sunday.

Head Coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints watches his team warm up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee | Photo: Getty Images

On Thursday afternoon, however, he got the news that he had tested positive for the virus. The news source added that the head coach is at home and doing well, as he expressed confidence in the measures he has taken to prevent the virus from spreading.

He remains optimistic about making a complete recovery. Payton also emphasized the need to listen to government guidelines and recommendations from the country's health agencies.

"If people understand the curve and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it," he said, adding that a little understanding and calm will benefit everyone.

People magazine added in a report that Payton's symptoms came without a respiratory malfunction. While most people see issues with breathing and coughs, the symptoms quickly escalate to flu-like symptoms and become even more pronounced, with body aches, fatigue, etc.

As the news source explained, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has also confirmed that older people are at a higher risk of suffering some of the most severe symptoms.

The government is advising them to stay indoors and to avoid public gatherings to stem the spread of the virus effectively.

While Payton is the first NFL member to test positive for the virus, other sports have seen much higher cases. In basketball, several players have already tested positive. These include Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz and Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets.

Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts after dunking during the third quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 06, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts | Photo: Getty Images

As the New York Times reported, however, the virus has done even much damage. Three major sports leagues have already suspended their seasons, while there will most likely not be an NCAA basketball tournament for the year.

With sporting events on hold and things remaining in a state of limbo, everyone can only hope that things get back to normal soon.

We at AmoMama do our best to give you the most updated news regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, but the situation is constantly changing.

We encourage readers to refer to the online updates from CDC, WHO, or Local Health Departments to stay updated. Take care!

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