The NFL has remained adamant this entire offseason that the 2020 season will go according to plan. But with training camp just days away, there are still concerns regarding the safety of players.
Many NFL players took to social media on Sunday to voice their concerns regarding safety protocols using the hashtag #WeWantToPlay. Players’ concerns stem from the fact that there are no current plan in place to keep them and their families safe with rising COVID-19 cases.
Per ESPN:
“NFL Players Association president JC Tretter tweeted: ‘What you are seeing today is our guys standing up for each other and for the work their union leadership has done to keep everyone as safe as possible. The NFL needs to listen to our union and adopt the experts’ recommendations #wewanttoplay.’
“The NFLPA told ESPN that players weren’t specifically instructed to tweet, but that the union was “involved, to make sure [the tweets] were [on] factual grounds.” The NFLPA said that Tretter’s tweet would serve as its statement.”
Outside linebacker Khalil Mack was one of many NFL players that took to social media to share their concerns involving a safe return to football ahead of training camp in less than two weeks.
@NFL, please address health and safety concerns so we can play football this year! #itsonlyright #cantwait
— Khalil Mack (@FiftyDeuce) July 19, 2020
Pelissero reported that each NFL team has submitted infectious disease emergency response plans that were approved by NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills. The union needs to approve the plans before teams can allow more than 20 players inside their buildings.
All 32 teams have submitted infectious disease emergency response plans, which have been approved by NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills as well as joint infectious disease experts, per source. Union also must approve before teams can have more than 20 players in building.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 19, 2020
On Saturday, the NFL announced that training camp will begin as scheduled on July 28. Rookies will report this Tuesday with quarterbacks and injured players reporting on Thursday.
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