James Franklin had to make a very difficult decision when it came to the health and safety of his youngest daughter and his family. Assuming the 2020 college football season is played, Franklin will be in State College while his family is in Destin, Florida.

In an interview with Bryant Gumble on HBO’s Real Sports, Franklin confirmed that he will be away from his family for the college football season to protect his youngest daughter, 12-year-old Addison, who has sickle cell disease. That disease makes her more susceptible to COVID-19.

The Franklins have a second home in Destin and that’s where his family will be staying through the 2020 season. From The Comeback:

I have two daughters,” Franklin said. “My one youngest daughter has sickle cell disease so it’s changed dynamics in our family. My wife and kids are going to stay in Florida for the season. And I’m going to be in Happy Valley just because we think that’s the right thing to do for my daughter with sickle cell.”

Franklin confirmed with Gumbel that it means he’ll be away from his family for the rest of the year. Franklin said, “There was a lot of tears. There was a lot of emotion having this conversation with my daughters. So a lot of heartache over it.

Student-athletes have been returning to campuses across the country as the hope for a college football season in 2020 is still in limbo. But this should serve as a reminder that getting back to football isn’t always the primary focus for coaches, staff and players.

Penn State is scheduled to begin the 2020 college football season against Kent State on Saturday, Sept. 5.