Colorado names Casey Roddick team captain more than year after myocarditis diagnosis

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Colorado offensive lineman Casey Roddick was on the field for roughly 565 snaps last season.

Not one did he take for granted.

The fifth-year player nearly had football taken away last year when he tested positive for COVID-19 and was diagnosed with myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart wall. For Roddick, his slow road back to the field simply underscored the importance of appreciating all the little things — like being voted team captain this week — and having backup plans.

"If you love anything and it’s taken out of your hands, that’s definitely something you can reflect on, but it’s not the end of the world. That’s how you have to look at it," said Roddick, who will start at left guard in the season opener Friday night against TCU at Folsom Field. "There are hundreds of other things that you can get into regardless of whether it’s football, business or whatever realm you go into. It’s a lesson that I’ve had to incorporate into my life."

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FILE - Colorado offensive lineman Casey Roddick (70) plays in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. Colorado offensive lineman Casey Roddick nearly had his football career ended after a case of COVID-19 developed into a serious bout with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart wall. These days, the left guard from California doesn't take even one snap for granted. That's why he relished his new role as team captain. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)

This time a year ago, Roddick was just starting to get his strength back. Just starting to realize there was still a future for