BYU QB Zach Wilson Reveals Positive COVID-19 Test Over Summer

PROVO, Utah – BYU quarterback Zach Wilson has already experienced what life is like with COVID-19.

The starting signal-caller for the Cougars revealed on Monday during BYU’s weekly press conference that he tested positive for the novel Coronavirus.

Wilson got on the topic of COVID-19 after being asked by a member of the media if BYU is doing any special considerations for him as a quarterback to keep him safe.

Zach Wilson said he tested positive for COVID-19 by hanging out with friends during the summer. Said he was sick for four days and it was just like a cold for him.#BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 21, 2020

“Yeah, we were just talking about it in the film room, you know, we all got to have our masks on, stay as far away as we can from each other in the film room. Outside of that, you know, at practice, we’ve got to wear our masks; stay away from each other in the weight room.”

Wilson continued, “The biggest thing is the contact tracing goes back to who you’re living with is one of the biggest issues we’ve had. You know, I’ve personally got to find a spot for myself to live on my own. That’s not really anything the coaches can do. I know they want to urge that, but that’s something we have to do on our own. So if we really want to play this season, without any issues, I’ve probably got to go find somewhere else to live so that if any of my roommates get it, I’m not stuck, and I’m out.”

The same media member asked a follow-up regarding his living arrangement, “So you’re going to do that, or you’ve done that?”

BYU QB Zach Wilson reveals positive COVID-19 test

That’s when Wilson then revealed he already experienced a case of COVID-19.

“Yeah, that’s the plan,” Wilson replied. “So I’m technically exempt right now, because I already had it back, you know, whenever. So I’m in my 90 days still, so I’m exempt until the La Tech game.”

According to a BYU spokesperson, the “exempt” list means Wilson is within 90 days of when he has had COVID-19. Wilson still tests regularly with the rest of the team. BYU players have stated in the past that they are being tested three times a week with saliva-based COVID tests.

Correction: #BYU QB Zach Wilson still tests regularly for COVID-19 as everyone else. The "exempt" list consists of players who have had COVID within the past 90 days.#BYUFOOTBALL @kslsports

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 21, 2020

KSL Sports followed up, asking Wilson about his personal experience with COVID-19.

Wilson’s experience with COVID-19

“Yeah, you know, it’s hard. I think I got it from me and some of my buddies having a little, you know, the neighborhood we had a bunch of the football guys over, and we were just having a little gambling night. You know, having some fun. Somehow a bunch of us got it.

“Honestly, for me, and the other guys that had it, it was just like a cold. You know, minor symptoms and you know, just tired, fatigued, all that kind of stuff. So for us, it was nothing crazy. It was four days, and we were ready to go again, so it was not bad.”

One of the concerns that have led to FBS conferences shutting down their fall seasons is the potential long-term effects COVID-19 could have on student-athletes. Wilson was asked if he was concerned about any long-lasting effects of experiencing a positive case from the novel virus.

“You know, personally, for me, I’m kind of like, what Kirk Cousins said a little bit. I know he got harped on for it. But you know, I would rather play football than ever worry about any of that kind of stuff. I wear masks and respect those around me.”

Wilson continued, “You know, a teacher at Corner Canyon that I loved while I was there is in ICU right now struggling with COVID. So I know it affects everyone differently. But for me, and I know a lot of other guys on the team feel the same way; honestly, we would rather just play football and never worry about this.”

Wilson and the No. 18 BYU Cougars return to action this Saturday when they host the Troy Trojans at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm, KSL Newsradio). Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.