It’s been six long weeks since Broncos defensive coordinator Ed Donatell has been with the team because of a COVID-19 diagnosis. And after returning to practice Thursday, the veteran coach nervously recalled the experience with coronavirus.
“You asked me if I was ever nervous, I think everybody should be nervous,” Donatell said. “I wouldn’t be telling you the truth if I didn’t think so because there are so many unknowns about this virus.”
Donatell says he’s never missed six games in his career. The 63-year-old said watching games from home was not something he prefers, but also understands why it had to be done.
“I don’t like it,” Donatell said. “I can’t see enough of the whole picture. It’s really a weird experience when you know the calls, you were involved in creating the game plan, and you’re not there. It’s 40 years of coaching, 30 in the NFL, and all of a sudden you’re sitting watching on the tube — it’s just a weird experience. There are things you can pick up and draw from that, but I’d rather not do that again.”
Donatell tested positive for coronavirus on Nov. 1 — a mere hours before Denver’s matchup against the LA Chargers. He says it was nine days before severe symptoms began. The 30-year veteran of the NFL spent five days in a hospital and on medication before recovering. But throughout the entire experience, Donatell credited his family for helping him get through these trying times.
“I think you’re always thinking about you need your health to do your best work in anything — that’s family, your relationships,” he said. “So that makes you stop for a minute because you need it, and I haven’t had anything like that in my life. It’s just a temporary setback and I’m ready to roll.”
Donatell will be on the sideline for the first time since October as the Broncos prepare for a matchup against the Carolina Panthers, who will once again be without Colorado native Christian McCaffrey.
