Former USC LB Cameron Smith needs open heart surgery

Former USC Trojans linebacker Cameron Smith recently opened up on Instagram about his heart condition, and how during a test for COVID-19, he discovered he needs open heart surgery. Posted to his social media accounts, Smith stated he has a bicuspid aortic valve that he was born with but after testing positive for coronavirus, he had further testing done and it was realized he’d need the surgery then.

“Earlier this week, I found out I need open heart surgery to fix a bicuspid aortic valve that I was born with. Although this will unfortunately end my 2020 season, it is really a blessing that we found this as my heart is severely enlarged and wouldn’t have lasted much longer. I found this out after I tested positive for COVID and had to have further testing done as protocol. The Lord works in mysterious ways, but I could really fell him on this one! There is a surgery that will allow me to continue to play football as soon as I am healed and cleared and I didn’t think twice about going with that one. By no means am I ready to be done playing football, there is still so much more I want to accomplish on the field. I’m going to attack this like everything else I have in my life. Already looking forward to the comeback! #SKOL”

Smith currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He recorded eight tackles as a member of the Vikings a season ago with multiple stints on and off the practice squad.

He lettered with the Trojans football from 2015-2018 and was a two-time Second-Team All Pac-12 representative as well as a First-Team All-Pac-12 selection from the 2017 season.

We wish you the absolute best in your surgery and subsequent recovery, Cameron!

Continue to Fight On!