DENVER — A persistent cough and a history of asthma prompted Von Miller to visit the Broncos team doctor three days ago. However, Miller admitted he was "shocked" when he tested positive for the coronavirus.
Miller, resting comfortably in his Colorado home, talked about his diagnosis on the first of three national TV appearances Friday.
"I am feeling better. It all started with a simple cough and then it got worse. I also have asthma, and my girlfriend was telling me that I wasn't sounding normal and that I should try my nebulizer (inhaler). So I did it, tried the nebulizer. That's something I do before football games and practice regularly," Miller said on The Today Show. "But this time was different. It really didn't work like it should. I waited another day and the cough still didn't go away. My assistant said why don't you just go tested. Two days later, my doctor called me and said I had a positive test. I was shocked."
Miller appeared on ESPN at noon and explained that he had worked out with a few teammates 15 days ago. He mentioned Brandon McManus, a good friend, specifically. I texted with the Broncos star kicker on Friday and asked him about his health.
"Yes, I am good. I was tested for the virus and the antibodies and I am negative," McManus said.
Miller insisted he has been taking precautions seriously since "Day One." He began the offseason training in San Francisco and left there after an outbreak in the city. He has been in Colorado for the past month, explaining he has only left the house four times to get food, and never left his vehicle. He mentioned that having people in his home might have exposed him to the virus.
"Of course I have people come in and out, like workers - maids and people to come do the plumbing, (a worker to look at a fish tank) just everyday stuff. But it was really nothing crazy," Miller said.
Miller is the second known NFL player to test positive for COVID-19, joining Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen. According to the team, Allen felt slight symptoms, but is feeling much better. The Colorado Avalanche have said three players tested positive and have all recovered, but they did not reveal their identities. Miller wanted to be transparent in hopes of helping people understand the illness doesn't discriminate.
"If I can get it, anyone can," Miller said. "This is a serious virus."
Sports have gone dark as the pandemic grips the world. Miller was asked Friday about the prospect of playing games without fans in attendance.
"Whatever is safe. My first precaution will always be whatever is safe," Miller said. "Whatever we have to do to get things back to normal that's what we should do. We shouldn't move too fast."
