Steelers Legend May Miss Hall Of Fame Ceremony After Testing Positive For COVID
Troy Polamalu announced on Friday, via Twitter, that he tested positive for COVID-19. While the Steelers legend reported no major symptoms or side effects as part of his diagnosis, precautions on behalf of the NFL may keep him distanced from next Saturday's Hall of Fame event, set to honor the retired safety as part of 2020's class of Enshrinees.
"I recently tested positive for COVID-19," tweeted Polamalu. "Thank God I feel great, and (my) family (is) well. I'm working with the (Hall of Fame) to ensure we abide by all protocols to make it to Canton in time for all the festivities."
As reported by OutKick's Clint Lamb, the event will proceed with its customary exhibition game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys, slated for Thursday, Aug. 5 at 8 p.m. (ET). The Hall of Fame event is set to carry over 2020's postponed ceremonies by wrapping them into one massive weekend, honoring both the 2020 and 2021 classes.
Pro Football Hall of Fame President and CEO David Baker released a statement regarding the former safety's positive test, and how he anticipates the upcoming ceremony to accommodate the latest news:
“We are disappointed for Troy right now and pray for his quick recovery with no complications. We’ll work with him to make sure he's honored as an enshrinee the way he should be – and that’s mindful of others in the Centennial Class, fans and everyone else in attendance. He had an incredible football career and will have an equally incredible career as a Hall of Famer.”
Both classes of Hall of Fame Enshrinees go as follows:
2020
Steve Atwater
Isaac Bruce
Steve Hutchinson
Edgerrin James
Troy Polamalu
Bill Cowher
Jimmy Johnson
Harold Carmichael
Jim Covert
Bobby Dillon
Cliff Harris
Winston Hill
Alex Karras
Donnie Shell
Duke Slater
Mac Speedie
Ed Sprinkle
Steve Sabol
Paul Tagliabue
George Young
2021
Peyton Manning
Charles Woodson
Calvin Johnson
Drew Pearson
Alan Faneca
Bill Nunn
John Lynch
Tom Flores
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