Cameron Smith was recently informed by doctors that he requires life-saving surgery in order to fix a heart condition. However, he was only made aware of the diagnosis after he tested positive for coronavirus. The NFL star had taken to Instagram on Saturday, August 8, to announce that he would be missing the entire 2020 season over a bicuspid aortic valve.
The condition occurs when the aorta has only two cusps instead of three. Smith had written on Instagram, "Although this will, unfortunately, end my 2020 season, it is really a blessing that we found this as my heart is severely enlarged and wouldn't have lasted much longer." "I found this out after I tested positive for Covid-19 and had to have further testing done as protocol," Smith continued. "There is a surgery that will allow me to continue to play football as soon as I am healed and cleared and I didn’t think twice about going with that one."
"By no means am I ready to be done playing football, there is still so much more I want to accomplish on the field. I’m going to attack this like everything else I have in life," he shared. The 23-year-old Minnesota Vikings linebacker had been a four-year starter for the Trojans while at the University of Southern California. He was drafted into the Vikings only last year, according to a US Weekly report.
Many social media users commented on Smith's health update and wished him a speedy recovery saying that they were all praying for him. One user wrote, "Oh my gosh! So glad you caught this Cam. I wish you a super-fast recovery and a great next season." "I am so sorry to hear this horrible news, but so glad they found it and you are so positive about the process. The lord works in mysterious ways! Lots of love and prayers coming your way. I look forward to your return to the grid Iron. Fight On!" wrote another concerned fan.
Another added, "Wow I’m sorry to hear this but thank god for his ways. You’ll get through this and come out stronger than ever. The drive is in you to always be better than you were before. I will be thinking about you and praying that God's path will have you on top again." A well-wisher echoed the same sentiments, "I’ve had 3 open heart surgeries in my lifetime. I’m 18 now. I just wanna wish you the best and I hope to see you on the field soon. Sending my prayers."
Smith's latest Instagram post shows him thanking all his fans and followers for their love, prayers and support. "I just want to say thank you to everyone for all of the support I have received over the last 24 hours, it means more to me than most of you may know! I also have realized how many people have been affected in some way by BAV and all of you that reached out to share your stories has given me strength beyond belief!"
