The NFL seems determined to roll full steam ahead on the 2020 regular season despite the lingering presence of the coronavirus, and even New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is beginning to soften his stance.
Initially, there was a concern that the NFL wouldn’t even be able to conduct games this fall, let alone do so with a stadium full of fans. However, as cases of COVID-19 slowly subside across the country, Murphy is taking an optimistic view on potential attendance.
“Yes, there is a possibility [that fans can attend games]. But I can’t promise it. I don’t think anyone can,” Murphy told Sports Illustrated.
“Not just that, I don’t think anyone has that crystal ball with complete clarity of where this virus is going to go, where our behavior is going to go…”
Muphy’s current concern is that ongoing protests and riots over the death of George Floyd, an African American man who died in Minneapolis police custody two weeks ago, could lead to an increased spread of the virus.
Still, Murphy is hopeful that all sports can soon return to New Jersey — ideally with fans. But they’ll start slow as they work everything back into normalcy.
“I would love that, I mean I’m a huge sports fan. Jersey is a sports mecca and we have the rainbow of sports,” Murphy said. “Everything. Women’s and men’s. Girls and boys. I’d love nothing more than to responsibly get sports up and running at all levels by the way. As of June 22, we’re going to allow youth sports to begin non-contact training. At all levels, for mental health, for the sheer fun of it to get some semblance of normality back in our lives for all the above reasons. For the passions. Can’t wait, I can’t wait but we’ll do it responsibly. We’ll make the call based on what the data is telling us but I’d love to see us back in the full swing of sports.”
For now, Murphy will remain in contact with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and ownership from both the Giants and Jets.
“I’ve spoken to Roger Goodell, we speak with the Giants and the Jets all the time. I think it’s too early to tell on fans. We’re taking at this point, baby steps and slowly but surely trying to get there beginning with the staffs, the coaches, the players and I think we have to see where it goes from here,” Murphy said.
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