NFL training camps are opening up this week, with rookies first set to appear. For the Baltimore Ravens, their rookies will enter the Under Armour Performance Center on Tuesday with the whole team expected to report on July 28. The only problem: The NFL still doesn’t have answers on testing protocols and how to practice safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
While the NFL and NFLPA continue to work out the logistics of players returning, there are far more questions than answers. Yet, the NFL continues to march towards the opening of team facilities for training camp with reckless abandon despite the ongoing confusion from both teams and players. Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt spelled out what the players currently know and the problems they face.
Once again in the interest of keeping everyone (players & fans) as informed as possible, here is an updated list of what we as players know and don’t know as the first group gets set to report to training camp tomorrow.#WeWantToPlay pic.twitter.com/xQcjs33zgM
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 19, 2020
Several Ravens players have joined Watt and others from around the league in a now-viral “#WeWantToPlay” campaign on Twitter. Players are asking the NFL to provide more detailed answers and improved conditions at training camp to ensure the 2020 regular season can actually start safely.
#wewanttoplay We are days away from reporting to camp. Better get it figured out quick @NFL or there will be no football in 2020.
— Derek Wolfe (@Derek_Wolfe95) July 19, 2020
We need answers and we need them now. We need to know that the @NFL is doing everything in its power to ensure the health and safety of the players. Simply put, the @NFL must heed the advice of its own medical experts if we are to play a full season. #WeWantToPlay
— Justin Tucker (@jtuck9) July 19, 2020
Anyone that plays this game will tell you the most important part of this game is health. With the lack of understanding the circumstances we’re set to report with a lot of unanswered questions. We’ve been ready for football for months. Let’s answer those questions #WeWantToPlay
— Orlando Brown Jr. (@ZEUS__78) July 19, 2020
When you ask us to play in a pandemic, Health and safety guidelines should not be used as a bargaining chip.#WeWantToPlay
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 19, 2020
It’s been my dream to play in the @NFL since I was 5 & this game has helped me provide for my family in so many ways. We all want to play this game we love but not if it means risking our well being & families health. Do right by Uz! #WeWanttoPlay #AmericaNeedsFootball
— Willie Snead IV (@Willie_Snead4G) July 19, 2020
We need the NFL to make sure we are safe and the people around us are safe. Missed last year because of injury and don’t want another missed season because of safety issues #WeWanttoPlay
— Tavon Young (@TY_Real1) July 19, 2020
Players are the game of football. If we aren’t healthy, you can’t watch football this year. @NFL needs to do their part so we all can enjoy the best sport in the world. #WeWanttoPlay
— Justin ”Jelly” Ellis (@JeLLy_ThaDON) July 19, 2020
If the @NFL doesn’t do their part to keep players healthy there is no football in 2020. It’s that simple. #WeWanttoPlay
— Justin ”Jelly” Ellis (@JeLLy_ThaDON) July 19, 2020
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