PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Rod Carey’s voice could always be heard along the sidelines, but the field has been a lot quieter since the Temple University football coach contracted COVID-19 and was forced to teach virtually.
Carey had mild symptoms and was required to quarantine for a portion of Temple’s spring practices. He was able to return this week for the final practice sessions, which he said is a big relief.
“I was on FaceTime watching, driving people crazy from my staff,” he said. “I’m glad it happened in the spring and not in the fall.”
Carey is also relieved he had a mild case of COVID-19. He followed quarantine protocols and was able to recover in time to rejoin his team on the field.
Despite his recovery, Carey emphasized how the virus has done far worse to others around the world.
“With me and my family, it was really like a bad head cold,” he said. “I feel good (now). Just got a lingering cough. Nothing out of the ordinary for us, but I always want to be respectful and not try to minimize.”
Although relatively rare, Carey came down with the virus after getting the first vaccine shot. He is due for his second shot on Monday.
“You’ve heard people get vaccinated and get it, and people not vaccinated and get it. It’s a virus,” he said.
Carey is now focusing on getting the Owls ready for the 2021 season. He announced Georgia transfer D’Wan Mathis will be his starting quarterback. Carey is pleased with the progress his players have made during spring workouts, but he knows there is still more work to do before the season opens on Sept. 4 at Rutgers.
By then, Carey will be well-protected from COVID-19.
“I know it’s a very serious worldwide pandemic and it’s afflicted a lot of people in different ways, and some more severe than others,” he added.