In the beginning, Trent Brown didn't realize the severity of COVID-19 because of the way it was being portrayed in the media — and he wasn't alone in feeling that way — but he certainly understands the magnitude of the situation now.
As part of a new series, titled The Iso, The Players' Tribune is giving athletes an outlet to share how they've been handling life in quarantine. Brown, along with his Las Vegas Raiders teammate Darren Waller, both decided to use this as a platform to spread awareness and discuss how they've been coping with self isolation.
Initially, Brown resisted the idea of quarantining, but after speaking with his father — a police officer in Georgia — he realized this wasn't something to take lightly. Following that discussion, Brown left his parents' house in Albany, Ga., the morning of March 20 en route to his home in Texas, so he could make sure he had enough essentials to take care of his kids.
At the ages of one and two, Brown is deeply concerned for the well being of his infants, "I feel like I'll be able to fight it, but I want to make sure my kids are safe and sound, clean and out of harm's way."
In two very different situations, Brown and Waller are learning to adapt, but stay positive in a challenging time.
Waller, a recovering addict, is in a tempting situation. Depending on your predicament, isolation could be a pressure cooker for addicts and people struggling with depression, but Waller wants people to know "there is no obstacle we can't overcome."
When he started rehab, nearly three years ago, Waller developed a prayer and meditation routine he's been doing consistently during isolation. With support-group meetings canceled, he's continued to stay on top of his rehab by listening to audio recordings via the Narcotics Anonymous Speakers app.
As a way to encourage people to fight through the circumstances, Brown is organizing a way to do giveaways in the Las Vegas area, but there will be more information on that in the coming days.
Both Brown and Waller want to remind everyone that while this is a confusing time, it's not a reason to neglect showing acts of kindness, or forget that we will prevail.
Take a look back at the best photos of TE Darren Waller from his 2019 breakout season in the Silver and Black.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) dives for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the New York Jets.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) stiff-arms the defender during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) breaks a tackle during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates after a first down during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates after a catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
