Some of the NFL’s brightest stars have raised their voices in concern recently. Their worry stems from league officials failing to address player health and safety procedures amid the Coronavirus pandemic. With training camp due to start at the end of the month, players are beginning to wonder how the NFL plans to keep them safe in such uncertain times.
Chiefs Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, Texans defensive end JJ Watt, and Browns defensive end Myles Garrett were just a few of the players who took their message to social media. Each player ended their tweets with the simple message of “#WeWantToPlay.” With rookies due to report on Tuesday the 21st, the fate of the 2020-21 season hangs in the balance.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees had this to say, “We need football, we need sports, we need hope! The NFL’s unwillingness to follow the recommendations of their own medical experts will prevent that. If the NFL doesn’t do their part to keep players healthy there is no football in 2020, it’s that simple. Get it done, @NFL.”
The NFLPA has sent their requests to the NFL which outline their desires in terms of how the season should get underway. Among their requests include: daily testing for the virus, no preseason games, and a “ramp-up” period consisting of 21 days of strength and conditioning, 10 days of non-padded practices, and 14 days of contact acclimation once they finally do report for camp.
The president of the NFLPA, Sam Acho, said the NFLPA received a counter offer from the NFL on Saturday night. But, the counter offer apparently does not address many of the players’ concerns and also appears to completely ignore the advice of the doctors the NFL hired in order to create safety guidelines. In response to this counter offer by the NFL, Acho had this to say, “And so as of now we are telling players to get ready and stay ready, but if the NFL doesn’t come up with these plans, you cannot show up.”
Many people in the sports world were confident in the prospect of an NFL season this year. Although, after today’s events, the dream of watching your favorite team playing on Sunday afternoons might be just that, a dream.
