Linebacker Von Miller of the Denver Broncos holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after helping his team defeat the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, February 7, 2016. /VCG
2016 Super Bowl MVP, linebacker Von Miller of the Denver Broncos, has tested positive for the new coronavirus, he told 9NEWS in Denver on Thursday.
"It's true, I've just been here in the crib... You know, I have asthma, and I started getting a little cough a couple days ago. My girlfriend ... she told me when I was asleep, she said my cough, it didn't sound normal," said Miller on the phone.
"After experiencing flu-like symptoms, Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller has tested positive for COVID-19. Von has elected to share his diagnosis publicly to emphasize that anyone can be afflicted with coronavirus," said the Broncos in an official statement.
Linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos in the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, December 8, 2019. /VCG
The team also confirmed that Miller is the first member of the organization who has tested positive for the virus. He's recovering in self-quarantine at home and team doctors are treating him following all coronavirus treatment procedures.
"I'm not sure what's going on, but I tell you what, I'm in good spirits. I'm still Von. I'm not feeling sick or hurting or anything like that," said Miller who then posted on Instagram: "I'm going to do whatever I have to do to get thru this! Take this seriously. It's definitely FOR REAL."
Since he was selected by the Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft, Miller has played all nine seasons in Denver. He was an eight-time Pro-Bowler and helped the team defeat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 in 2016.
Center Brian Allen of the Los Angeles Rams is interviewed before Super Bowl LIII at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, January 28, 2019. /VCG
Miller was not the first NFL player to test positive for the virus. A spokesperson of the Los Angeles Rams confirmed on Wednesday that the team's center Brian Allen had done so as well.
According to Fox Sports, Allen began to feel symptoms of COVID-19 three weeks ago. Rams coach Sean McVay said that Allen is "feeling good, he's healthy, and he's on the road to recovery."