Minnesota Vikings linebacker Cameron Smith has had quite the roller coaster year, even for 2020.
After testing positive for COVID-19, which is now thought to have been a false positive, Smith discovered he needed open-heart surgery on a follow-up test as a result of a bicuspid aortic valve defect he has had since birth. Smith acknowledged that if it wasn't for the false positive and the subsequent tests, his football career — if not his life — wouldn't have lasted very long.
“It did save my life,” the Vikings youngster said, per Mark Craig of Star Tribune. “It’s a blessing in disguise.”
This revelation has caused Smith to learn a lot about his body. The Vikings linebacker discovered that what he perceived as normal to him, such as his shortness of breath, fatigue and lack of oxygen, is not normal for someone of his age and athleticism.
“I don’t feel any different right now,” Cameron Smith added. “But I’m pretty excited to see what this change is going to feel like when I actually get a properly functioning heart.”
The revelation occurred after the Vikings told Smith to get a physical following his COVID tests to play it safe. The team's caution proved to be a life-saver for Smith when the EKG didn't look right, which led to an MRI that revealed the abnormality.
“And then it went from there,” Smith said. “A good week and a half later, I knew. I was very shocked. The news is alarming. To hear open-heart surgery, my head instantly started rushing. It was overwhelming.”
Doctors have told Smith that it's “100%” he can continue his NFL career. They estimate the recovery time before he can resume heavy lifting to be three months. This is great news for Smith and the Vikings.
“I’ll be fixed,” he said. “I’ll be better, and I’ll be in a more healthy state than I have been for the last 23 years. I am driven and ready to return next year.”
Best of luck to Smith for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
Follow Us
Subscribe