At the start of Carolina Panthers Training Camp two weeks ago, it was reported that tackle Russell Okung was considering retirement due to COVID-19 concerns.
Okung, 31, was traded to Carolina back in February from the Los Angeles Chargers for guard Trai Turner and if he had decided to sit out or hang it up this season, it would have been a huge blow to the Panthers' offensive line.
Okung was not happy about the report.
"I think it's unfortunate that so many people, certain people in the media, are more interested in being the first to report as opposed to reporting something that is accurate," Okung said on Tuesday. "No conversations like that have been had in order for that individual to feel it's necessary to put any information out there like that. For anyone to even put that farce type of information out there is extremely disappointing."
If Okung had made that decision, it wouldn't have been the biggest surprise considering recent health issues.
The former Super Bowl champion suffered a pulmonary embolism due to blood clots in his lungs last offseason and missed the first 10 games of the year, in what Okung called one of the "most challenging moments" of his life back in April.
The opportunity to play the game he loves at the highest level just isn't something he wanted to give up just yet despite the risk of COVID-19 in 2020.
"I will say, I get an opportunity to do something that I love," Okung said. "There's so many people across the world that are unemployed or going through some really difficult situations and my heart goes out to them. As for me, I still have a job, I still get a chance to report here this morning by doing something that I've been gifted to do and I'm going to put my best foot forward and continue to do that."
Okun is entering the final year of a four-year contract he signed with the Chargers and will likely be the starter at left tackle on a Panthers team that hasn't had a consistent starter at that position in years.
"For right now, I still have an opportunity to be the starting left tackle for the Panthers. We're working in training camp trying to get to Week 1, and we'll see how it shapes up," Okung said "For now, I love what I do. I would hope that I'm a real contributor to the team and right now camp's in front of us and we have to put our hard hats on and put a good product on."
A two-time Pro Bowler, Okung is the oldest player on Carolina's offensive line but even while dealing with some back tightness the first few weeks of camp and coming off his injury-riddled season, Okung has trust in his new organization.
"Unfortunately, I didn't get to have the year I would've liked to have,'' Okung said about 2019. "To have acknowledgment from the head coach, and say we want to make sure we take the best approach to make sure you return back safely to the game... has been really good. I think this organization has proven to be top class in recognizing the health and safety of their players."
Entering his 11th season, Okung will have the responsibility of being a leader on a relatively young offensive line with second-year players Greg Little and Dennis Daley, but he'll also be joined by two of his former Denver teammates-- center Matt Paradis and guard Michael Schofield.
"I hope in some ways, I can lead by example and show these guys how I approach my work to be a professional," Okung said. "I played with Matt Paradis four years ago...Taylor Moton is going to be an up and coming all-pro tackle and there are guys all-around the board who we should really be looking out for to be special contributors to the team. I want to get in where I fit in and hopefully, my work speaks for itself."
Okung should have no problem fitting as he's been recognized as one of the more vocal and likable guys in the NFL throughout his career.
"He's a great guy, but he's also helping those young players," head coach Matt Rhule said. "People talk a lot about leadership, and I'll say it again, it's not about giving speeches. It's about helping other players play better. That's really all it is. A guy like Russell, who takes guys out there and works with them a little — five minutes here, three minutes there, seven minutes there, a kind word here — he has an impact on them that helps them play better. That's leadership in its truest form."
Another bonus is being able to reunite with Panthers new offensive line coach, Pat Meyer, who coached Okung in Los Angeles for the last three years.
"He's an extremely cerebral guy, he understands ball, he understands the game but he also empowers his players to do things which are extremely particular to them," Okung said. "He's really good at what he does and I'm happy I get another year to play with him."
Even with the handful of familiar faces, Okung will still be coming to another new situation in Carolina during a year like none other, but Okung has high hopes for this season.
"We have a high standard in terms of how we approach our work," Okung said. "It's longed that we recognize that regardless of the uniqueness of the times, we have a chance to win. I'm going to yield to whatever they're trying to do here. I'm completely bought in and each day we're chipping away trying to find our best."