Stephen A. Smith Says COVID-19 Nearly Killed Him

Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith is lucky to be alive after a near-fatal battle with COVID-19.

The ESPN host returned to “First Take” Monday, where he detailed the severe symptoms he endured while fighting the virus. Smith says he was diagnosed with pneumonia in both his lungs, night sweats, “massive” headaches, a persistent cough, and had a 103-degree fever nightly. After spending New Year’s Day in the hospital, the 54-year-old says, “I didn’t know if I was going to make it.”

“I can’t tell you how lucky and sincerely blessed I am to be sitting here with you guys today because two-and-a-half, three weeks ago, I didn’t know if I was going to make it.”

He accredited the vaccine with saving his life, saying that doctors informed him it was the only thing sparing him from death.

Smith encouraged everyone to continue wearing masks to slow the spread of COVID-19.