Running back Ryquell Armstead will have the chance to prove himself in the NFL again after going through hell due to COVID-19.
The 25-year-old on Wednesday signed a pact with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team that drafted him, while playing with the reserve squad of the Green Bay Packers. The Florida squad has secured him a regular job for the last three weeks of NFL activity, as Carlos Hyde is sidelined with a concussion.
He spent the entire 2020 campaign on the sidelines being afflicted by the coronavirus. He was then hospitalized with difficulty breathing, before being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease that prevents the heart from pumping blood efficiently. He couldn’t do anything in terms of physical activity for eight months.
Throughout his recovery, a single motivation remained at the center of his mind.
“Do not tell my son, ‘I had a heart injury and never came back to try,’ ‘said Armstead, whose comments were reported by the’ USA Today ‘daily on Thursday. . This is my motivation. To be able to tell my son that you can go through anything in life. I am living proof of that. “
This journey through dangerous terrain has made a lot of people who say they are ready to return to the game after a long period of fitness.
“I realized that health is wealth,” Armstead continued. Many say that health is cherished only when misfortunes happen to us. I knew who is close to me and who loves me. ”
And he also managed to see the bright side of this bleak situation.
“It was a blessing in hiding,” Armstead said. I was able to relax and enjoy the time with my family and children. Be a dad. I don’t take anything for granted anymore and I cherish every moment now. And when it was time for me to step out of my comfort zone and come back to where I needed to be, I took that step. “
Back to basics
Armstead will be able to return to action for the Jaguars and their general manager Trent Baalke, who cut him off in 2020.
“I understand it’s part of NFL business and it was my injury that caused it,” Armstead said. It’s not about what I did and I couldn’t have done anything about it. I know I’m a good, explosive and powerful player. I know what I can give. ”
The Jaguars meet with the New York Jets on Sunday.
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