Former Washington Redskins and Ottawa Rough Riders star Dexter Manley has been hospitalized and is receiving oxygen to treat breathing issues related to the coronavirus, two of his children told The Washington Post.
The 61-year-old Manley was hospitalized Friday in the Washington area. Daughter Dalis Manley said the former defensive end tested positive for the coronavirus May 2 and has steadily run a temperature between 101 and 104 degrees.
According to the Washington Post, she described her father as feeling “very weak,” worn down and discouraged after two weeks with a persistent fever and shortness of breath. “I just think he is scared,” she said.
Manley’s son Dexter Manly II:
“He hasn’t gotten worse, but they’re worried about his breathing. He hasn’t been stopped yet, so I don’t think [the coronavirus] will do it now.”
Coming out of Oklahoma State University, Manley was a fifth-round pick, 119th overall in the 1981 NFL draft by Washington. The man who became known as “The Secretary of Defence” anchored the Redskins d-line for nine seasons and won two Super Bowls with the team.
Manley set Washington franchise records for sacks in a season with 18.5 in 1986 when he was named a first-team All-Pro and sits atop the all-time franchise list at 91. In 2002, the Houston native was selected as one of the Greatest Redskins of All Time and is a member of the Washington Redskins Ring of Fame.
Following 11 seasons in the NFL, Manley traveled north of the border, playing two years in Ottawa (1992 and 1993) and one for the Shreveport Pirates (1994) – three total in the CFL.
With excerpts from the NFL and 3 Down Nation.