ESPN analyst Todd McShay was not part of the network's broadcast of the 2020 NFL draft on Thursday because he is recovering from the coronavirus.
"For now, I just want to say I miss you all -- my teammates at ESPN who have been incredibly supportive, my friends in the league, and the fans who have made the Draft what it is today," McShay wrote in a statement announcing his diagnosis several hours before the draft began.
"I also want to assure you I'll be back, thanks to the tireless work of healthcare workers and first responders. You are truly our nation's heroes. In the meantime, I'll be watching and I hope you will be too. I also hope [Trey] Wingo and crew will help me out and do their part to keep [Mel] Kiper in line!"
McShay has been with ESPN and part of the network's coverage of the draft since 2006. McShay was scheduled to be part of the ABC broadcast this year.
"ESPN's top priority is the health and safety of our employees. While Todd won't appear on our NFL Draft telecasts this weekend, we will be thinking of him throughout the event and doing our very best to make him proud," Seth Markman, ESPN's vice president, production, said in a statement. "Todd is a widely respected member of the ESPN family, and he has our continued well wishes and unwavering support."
The NFL draft began Thursday (8 p.m. ET). There were two separate broadcasts, one via ABC and a second that was be simulcast on ESPN and NFL Network. Both broadcasts originated from ESPN's studios in Bristol, Connecticut.