Myles Garrett just said what’s on everyone’s mind.
The 2020 year is nearly over as the holiday season arrives. With COVID-19 taking control of the world for most of the year, the pandemic has caused more turmoil than hope in what feels like a century. In a way, COVID has taken more than just normalcy away from people. It’s brought so many questions and few answers at the moment for the future.
Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett just said what most people are thinking, following a 20-6 victory over the New York Giants.
Garrett, who at one point led the NFL in sacks with 9.5, hasn’t returned to full-strength since his return from the reserve/COVID-19 list late last month. After missing two weeks following his positive test, the former No.1 pick told reporters he suffered a “coughing fit” in the locker room prior to Sunday’s victory.
His pass-rush success rate has immensely dropped since his return as well.
The lingering effects of COVID-19 still have yet to be answered
Garrett told reporters last week that despite being cleared of the virus for over three weeks, he still is undergoing breathing treatment to correct his lungs. According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 still can linger inside the body well after recovery.
Garrett isn’t the only player who’s suffered setbacks from symptoms of the virus. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson told reporters that his infamous “crampgate” likely was linked to COVID-19 after-effects.
Jackson tested positive during Thanksgiving weekend and missed the team’s Week 12 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“I was real-life cramping, like my hand, my throwing arm cramping, forearm cramping, fingers getting stuck together,” Jackson said last week. “I was going through it. I was ticked off.”
While Garrett is healthy, he’s not fully recovered. Following the victory, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield spoke highly of the team’s Man of the Year honoree’s toughness during a difficult time.
“Obviously, Myles continues to be a leader for us,” Mayfield said via the Akron Beacon Journal. “He’s our Walter Payton Man of the Year for our team. He’s an extremely good leader on and off the field. Obviously, his play speaks for itself, but he wants to be out there whenever he can.”
Much like Garret, many can agree with his words. So long to 2020, and here’s to a better and healthier 2021.