A relative of a former NFL running back is comatose and in critical condition, battling coronavirus, Michael Pittman told ESPN’s Jenna Laine.
Laine posted the news on Twitter Thursday with the permission of the running back, who was a fourth-round pick of the Bucs in 1998 by the Arizona Cardinals and played for four NFL teams.
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.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 12, 2020
…I told Mike he’s got an army of prayer warriors with him. Thank you so much for caring, guys!
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 12, 2020
Pittman played four seasons in Arizona before joining Tampa Bay for six years. His 11th and final season was with the Denver Broncos in 2008. He enjoyed his best NFL season in 2004, when he rushed for 926 yards and seven touchdowns, and caught 41 passes for 391 yards and three TDs, in 13 games. Overall, he rushed for 5,627 yards.
Pittman’s son, Michael Pittman Jr., is top draft prospect at wide receiver out of USC.