VIKINGS DECLARATION
We learned over the weekend that the Minnesota Vikings’ head athletic trainer and vice president of sports medicine and team infection control officer Eric Sugarman, along with family members, tested positive for COVID-19. Eric immediately shared his results with the organization and began to follow the previously established comprehensive protocol created by the NFL and national and local health experts. Eric and his family are currently in quarantine and provide daily updates on their well-being.
We have followed the team’s protocol to disinfect the facility and to notify any personnel who may have been in close contact with Eric. Those individuals have been tested and are returning under established guidelines. Eric has had no recent contact with players, and no additional cases have been identified within the Vikings’ main office at this time.
Eric will continue to fulfill his role as a team ICO practically as much as possible, and his athletic training staff and other Vikings staff will assist him as necessary. We wish Eric and his family a speedy and full recovery and hope that he returns to the Vikings when appropriate.
The health and safety of every member of our organization, our fans and the community at large is paramount. We encourage everyone to take this virus seriously and to follow the established precautions.
STATEMENT BY ERIC SUGARMAN
This weekend my family and I had a positive result for COVID-19. We immediately quarantined and began to follow established protocols. Right now we are all fine and experiencing only mild symptoms.
I am extremely proud of the effort I have personally made to protect the NFL family, the Minnesota Vikings organization and our community with consideration and decision-making based on current science for the past four months. I am humble to serve in that capacity as it has been one of the most rewarding jobs of my career. But while I am sitting here in quarantine, it is clear that this virus does not discriminate. You should continue to take yourself seriously. I encourage people to take the necessary precautions and follow the guidelines established at the national and local levels.
Right now I am taking care of myself and my family and I am focused on their health and recovery. I will return to the Vikings and my role after following the proper protocols.
