As we progress into the summer and toward the 2021 season, NFL operations will start to get back to normal — at least, closer to it than last season was. A major step in that direction was indicated on Wednesday when, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL told teams on a conference call that it expects fans to be allowed at training camp this summer.
Welcome back! The NFL told clubs on a call today it expects fans to return to training camp this summer, subject to state and local guidelines, according to the league's executive VP of club business and league events, Peter O’Reilly.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 25, 2021
The caveat here is that it will of course depend on the state and local laws regarding outdoor events and crowd size, but if permitted, it seems fans will get the chance to see first-overall pick Trevor Lawrence in action later this summer.
Pelissero added in a follow-up tweet that specific protocols for training camp haven’t been finalized, and things like autographs and fan proximity to players could be subject to change.
No specific schedule has been announced for the Jaguars’ training camp, but Pelissero reported that the league is looking toward a unified start, with players from 29 teams (including Jacksonville) required to report on July 27.
With the NFL pursuing 100% capacity at stadiums this fall, this is yet another sign that football will be back in a much more familiar way this season.