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Panthers' Russell Okung refutes report he considered retirement if COVID-19 pandemic worsened

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Carolina Panthers left tackle Russell Okung on Tuesday refuted a report that retirement was a consideration for him if the COVID-19 pandemic worsened.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, citing a source, reported two weeks ago that Okung was evaluating whether to retire over coronavirus concerns if he felt the football environment was not safe. The report also said Okung seriously considered opting out.

Okung, who missed 10 games last year with the Los Angeles Chargers because of a pulmonary embolism due to blood clots, spoke to reporters on Tuesday for the first time about the report.