Arizona Cardinals Owner Released From Hospital After Coronavirus

PHOENIX, AZ — The owner of the Arizona Cardinals was released Sunday from a hospital in New England where he was being treated for the coronavirus. He said he learned firsthand "how serious COVID-19 is," in a statement released by the organization.

Michael Bidwill, 55, was admitted to the hospital after he developed symptoms of the coronavirus, according to the Cardinals' statement. He is believed to have contracted the virus while traveling on the East Coast.

Since the Cardinals' facility was closed in mid-March, officials said Bidwill has been working remotely and has not had contact with players, staff or coaches.

While on the road in recent weeks, Bidwill developed a fever and headache, the Arizona Republic reported. Both are symptoms of the coronavirus.

"This week I learned first-hand just how serious COVID-19 is," Bidwill said in a statement Sunday. After his test came back positive, he was admitted to Newport Hospital in Rhode Island.

He said he was "overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness from the Red Sea as well as so many friends and colleagues in Arizona and throughout the country" following his diagnosis.

"My immense appreciation for those on the front lines of this pandemic has only increased, and I am particularly grateful to the tremendous nurses and doctors at Newport (R.I.) Hospital," Bidwill said. "I'm very fortunate to have this experience behind me and strongly encourage everyone to continue practicing the important measures to avoid it themselves."

To prevent the spread of the virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying away from those who are sick; keeping 6 feet of distance between oneself and others; wearing a cloth face covering in public; washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol; and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.

According to the Cardinals, training camp is still slated to begin at the end of July, as the league continues working with teams and the NFL Players Association on health and safety guidance.

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