Former USC WR Michael Pittman Jr. has family member with coronavirus

A family member of former USC wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is in critical condition after contracting the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to a report from ESPN.

A member of the Trojan Family is being impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus in a very personal way. Michael Pittman, the outstanding USC receiver who led the Trojans in catches, yards and touchdowns in 2019, has a family member in a coma because of the virus, according to a tweet from Jenna Laine of ESPN.

“Former Bucs RB Michael Pittman is asking for prayers right now. With his blessing, I am posting that a family member of his contracted the coronavirus, has been in the hospital since last Thursday and is now in a coma and in critical condition. He said they need a miracle,” Laine reported in the first of three tweets discussing the situation.

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“So if you believe in prayer, please join me in praying for Michael Pittman and his family, while also respecting his and his family’s privacy,” Laine continued. “They need all the healing vibes they can get. He also wanted me to post this to increase awareness about the dangers of coronavirus….I told Mike he’s got an army of prayer warriors with him. Thank you so much for caring, guys!”

The Michael Pittman referred to in the report is the father and namesake of Michael Pittman Jr., who USC fans will be more familiar with as a Trojan wide out. Pittman Sr. went to Fresno State and played running back for the Cardinals, Buccaneers, and Broncos during his 10-year career.

It should have been a busy spring for the Pittman family for reasons other than coronavirus. Pittman Jr. attended the NFL Combine in February with an eye on improving his draft stock. The next few months were supposed to be focused around meetings with pro teams, workouts, a Pro Day and more preparation for the NFL Draft.

Instead, Pittman Jr. and his family have something far more serious to contend with.

While USC has been impacted like so many other universities out there, moving classes online and canceling all sporting events, this is the first high-profile connection to the Trojan Family when it comes to the actual virus.

The Trojans suspended Spring Camp on Thursday morning for an indefinite stretch as fears over the spread of coronavirus increased. As of Thursday afternoon, no one directly connected to the football team has displayed symptoms or tested positive for the virus. All measures at this stage are preventative.