Saints HC Sean Payton Tests Postive For Coronavirus

Adam Schefter reports that Saints HC Sean Payton tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday. 

According to Schefter, Payton didn’t feel well this past Sunday, took the test on Monday, and received the results Thursday afternoon. He is now resting at home and fatigued, but said he is one of the 20 percent of the cases that has no fever and no cough.

Payton plans to be quarantined in his home through the weekend, but said he is upbeat and optimistic about a full recovery.

Payton tells Schefter that he choose to announce his positive test because he wants all people to heed the warnings of government officials, stay inside, and behave responsibly.

“This is not just about social distancing,” Payton told ESPN. “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.”

Payton is the first person in the NFL known to have tested positive for the virus. 

Other leagues like the NBA have had multiple players test positive in the past week or so. 

It goes without saying that this is a very concerning situation for Payton and anyone around the world dealing with COVID-19. 

We wish Payton the best in his recovery and hope he’ll be fully recovered in the near future.