Denver Broncos edge-rusher Von Miller is one of the few known NFL players to have contracted coronavirus. Thus, Miller has a bit of more personal experience with regard to the pandemic.

The Broncos superstar is an elite athlete. His blend of size, speed, and strength have made him one of the best edge-rushers in the NFL for nearly a decade. But even an athletic specimen like Miller proved susceptible to COVID-19. Perhaps more notably, Miller was severely impacted by the coronavirus.

Miller detailed his experience with Kent Babb of the Washington Post, saying he struggled to breathe and was worried his oxygen levels would be depleted to dangerous levels:

Q: What was the worst part for you?

A: Not being able to breathe. I got asthma, but it was past the asthma attack — like my lungs were constricting. My asthma nebulizer helped, but it still didn’t feel like it was supposed to. That was the most frightening part. Just going to sleep knowing that my oxygen level could drop and I could wake up and have to go to the hospital.

The face of the Broncos franchise has since been cleared and is back to full strength.

Still, his battle with coronavirus should serve as a reminder of just how dangerous the illness can be. As has become very clear over the past couple of months, COVID-19 does not discriminate, and it can have adverse effects even on people in peak physical condition, like Miller.

Fortunately, Miller can play a crucial advisory role as the NFL prepares with how best to combat the pandemic and–eventually–have their season go off in a safe manner come September.