NFL’s Von Miller Opens Up About His COVID-19 Diagnosis: “It Started With a Simple Cough, Then It Got Worse”

Denver Broncos pro-bowl linebacker and one of two NFL players to test positive for COVID-19, Von Miller, is opening up about his diagnosis.

Miller, 31, appeared on the Today show Friday morning and said his symptoms started out mild before progressing to more serious symptoms.

“It all started with just a simple cough, and it got worse. I also have asthma. My girlfriend, she was telling me that I wasn’t sounding normal, and I should try my nebulizer, so I did.” Miller added,” I had waited another day — the cough still didn’t go away.”

Miller was tested for COVID-19 a couple of days later and was informed by his doctor that he was indeed coronavirus positive.

“I was shocked. I’ve really been taking it serious, staying at the home of course…I started in San Francisco training where I normally train…When San Francisco had the stay-at-home order, we made the decision to come back to Denver,” Miller said. “I’ve been here in Denver for about four weeks now. Within those four weeks, I probably left the house four times. With all of those four times, I never got out of the car — just drive to pick up food and come back home.”

Miller went on to reveal his positive results publicly on Thursday. The Denver Broncos released a statement confirming Miller’s diagnosis, saying he tested positive for COVID-19 after “experiencing flu-like symptoms.”

“Von has elected to share his diagnosis publicly to emphasize that anyone can be afflicted with coronavirus,” the statement read via the Broncos website. “Von is doing well and recovering at home in self-isolation. He remains under the care of team doctors, who are following all coronavirus treatment procedures to ensure a safe environment for Von and our community.”

Miller was asked how he felt about potentially playing in a fanless stadium in the upcoming NFL season. Miller replied,” Whatever is safe, that would always be our first precaution, to do whatever is safe whatever we have to do get things back to normal, that’s what we should do. The NFL should do whatever is safe.”

As of Friday, Colorado had more than 8,600 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with an upward of 370 deaths.