Steelers' Cam Heyward Won't Opt Out of 2020 Season Despite Having Asthma

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward says he's planning to take part in the 2020 NFL season despite having asthma, which puts him at greater risk of more severe COVID-19 symptoms.

Heyward told Ed Bouchette of The Athletic in an interview released Wednesday he understands the situation and will do everything in his power to protect himself and others amid the coronavirus pandemic:

"I would say I have to take every precaution. I think there are so many unknowns. I could get the disease another way. I'm going to take every precaution, keep myself safe and others around me safe. I think by doing that I can still be able to play and play at a high level. Maybe being a [Players Association representative], I think I have too much information. That's put me at ease.

"I've been trying to do everything I can, whether it's staying up on multiple vitamins, whatever, making sure if I did catch it I'd be healthy enough. It's still an ongoing every-day process with this virus that we don't know about. But I have to make sure I take every precaution. I feel like I'm doing it and I'll be cleared to play."

Heyward is coming off a terrific 2019 season. He recorded 83 total tackles, nine sacks, six passes defended and a forced fumble across 16 games to earn his third straight Pro Bowl appearance and second career first-team All-Pro selection. He received an elite 91.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

The 31-year-old Ohio State product said no teammates have informed him they're planning to opt out of the season, but he's talked with some who aren't happy with the testing protocols.

"I hear a lot of guys complaining about the testing already, but I said, 'Guys, we're fortunate to be in this situation where we can get tested,'" Heyward told Bouchette.

He added the overall message he's sending is "short-term sacrifices for long-term gains" in order to protect the health of everyone involved, particularly older Steelers coaches like Keith Butler (64) and John Mitchell (68):

"That's why we have to make sure we take every precaution for them. I know things are going to be different. The meeting rooms are going to look completely different at Heinz Field. Not just my life or my teammates, it's the coaching staff, the people we see day-in and day-out, the respect level to them as well. Coach Mitch, Coach Butz, we just have to be accommodating to that, whether it's simply just wearing your mask. I know we're talking about being smart when people go out and go to the grocery store. Those are decisions our coaches have to make as well. When they go, they have to wear a mask. When they go to work they have to wear a mask. Those are the things we have to follow."

From a football perspective, Heyward noted the Steelers are focused on getting back in the postseason for the first time since 2017.

"Yeah, man, it's been a loooong offseason to say the least," he said. "So I am ready to get to work and get started on this. I think we have a good team returning. We have a hungry bunch. We've been out of the playoffs twice, and we're due to get back in them."

Pittsburgh is scheduled to kick off the regular season Sept. 14 with a Monday Night Football clash against the New York Giants.