Treylon Burks Has Asthma, So What?

In the 1990’s, Emmitt Smith played primarily for the Dallas Cowboys and was considered the best running back in that decade. Guess what: the Texas Twister and one of the best players to wear an NFL uniform has asthma. Jerome ‘The Bus’ Bettis, another incredible running back, has asthma. Paula Radcliffe won the London Marathon three times all while keeping her asthmatic symptoms at bay. In the 2008 Beijing Games, 17 percent of cyclists and 19 percent of swimmers had asthma. They captured 29 and 33 percent of the medals in those sports, respectively. 

David Beckham, the retired soccer star, was once pictured using an inhaler during a LA Galaxy game. He was quoted in The Telegraph saying, ‘”Sometimes I have good days and bad days. I’ve never hidden it but it’s something I’ve had for a good few years now. I hope it turns into a positive because I’ve been able to play for many years with the condition.”‘ The synopsis is you can have asthmatic conditions and still perform physical feats without interruption or the fear of suffering attacks.

Thankfully, sports that require short bursts of activity are less likely to trigger asthma. Football is one of those sports. A rigorous warm-up, regular exercise, hydration, and surveilling  your allergies and atmospheric conditions all help athletes manage their symptoms. To some, what Treylon Burks has is an ailment. This is a misconception. According to Titans wide receivers coach Rob Moore, “[Treyvon] trains and works hard, shows up early in the morning for walkthroughs…he understands what the expectations are.” If anyone needs a reminder of this young man’s talent, just look here.