NFL planning on full stadiums until medical community says otherwise

NFL EVP of Football Operations, Troy Vincent, said the NFL is still planning on full stadiums this fall despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The National Football League is still gearing up for the start of the scheduled 2020 regular season despite the coronavirus pandemic that is keeping most sports teams off fields around the country.

The NFL, for now, is planning on stadiums full of fans this fall.

NFL EVP of Football Operations, Troy Vincent, explained the game plan during an interview Friday with Brian Mitchell of The Team 980.

“We are planning to have full stadiums until the medical community tells us otherwise,” Vincent said. “Now remember when we’re talking – we’re talking about September, August, September. So there’s a lot that can happen here. So we’re planning for full stadiums.”

A number of teams around the league have slowly begun to reopen their facilities, although under strict guidelines from the NFL and local officials.

Vincent does acknowledge, however, that things could likely look different in stadiums this season if social distancing and other safety measures don’t allow for full capacity.

“We also know that we have to plan for half stadiums,” Vincent said. “Three-quarters. So we’re planning for all of these different scenarios. But first and foremost, we’re making every effort, working with the medical community, if we can have those stadiums with all people until they tell us otherwise when that time comes, that’s our plan.

“That’s our plan of action.”

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How to join Seattle Seahawks virtual 3-day NFL draft party

Everything you need to know to join the Seattle Seahawks’ virtual draft party all three days of the 2020 NFL Draft.

The 2020 NFL Draft will be completely virtual this year but that isn’t stopping the Seattle Seahawks from hosting their annual draft party.

The Seahawks will be offering an interactive virtual party prior to the broadcasts on April 23, 24 and 25.

The one-hour party shows will be hosted by KIRO 97.3 FM’s Gee Scott and 710 ESPN Seattle’s Stacy Rost. Seahawks Legends and celebrity 12s are expected to attend, including Matt Hasselbeck, Joel McHale, Mina Kimes, Lofa Tatupu and Lawyer Milloy.

Seattle fans can join the fun through the following links on Seahawks.comFacebookTwitter and YouTube and use the hashtag #SeahawksDraft for a chance to be featured during the virtual party.

Here’s a look at the complete schedule for the 2020 virtual draft party coverage:

Thursday, April 23
Virtual Draft Party from 4:00-5:00 p.m. PT.
Round 1 begins at 5:00 p.m. PT.

Friday, April 24
Virtual Draft Party from 3:00-4:00 p.m. PT
Rounds 2-3 begin at 4:00 p.m. PT

Saturday, April 25
Virtual Draft Party 8:00-9:00 a.m. PT
Rounds 4-7 begin at 9:00 a.m. PT

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Russell Wilson appears to be recruiting TE Greg Olsen to Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson appears to be recruiting tight end Greg Olsen to the team after his release from Carolina.

The Seattle Seahawks are a potential landing spot for tight end Greg Olsen after his release from the Carolina Panthers, and quarterback Russell Wilson is apparently on board about bringing the 13-year veteran to the Emerald City.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton whispered something in Wilson’s ear at the 2020 NFL Honors. As expected, speculation arose on Twitter about what Newton could possibly be saying to Wilson. Olsen took the time to give an extremely interesting response via his own Twitter account.

Wilson then responded to Olsen’s tweet with a comment and an image of the two together.

The Seahawks could certainly use more assistance at the tight end position with Will Dissly’s durability issues and the uncertainty regarding the rest of the unit. Olsen has suffered brutal foot injuries over the years and is approaching 35 years of age, but may still be capable of contributing for a team with Super Bowl ambitions such as the Seahawks.

It is not a given that Olsen will be on his way to Seattle, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that he will visit the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins first.

However, this is a compelling situation for 12s to keep an eye on as free agency rolls around.

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Comedian implores 49ers CB Richard Sherman to return to Seahawks

During Super Bowl LIV interviews, comedian Craig Gass took the time to beg 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman to rejoin the Seattle Seahawks.

During Super Bowl LIV interviews, comedian Craig Gass took the time to beg former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman to leave the San Francisco 49ers and return to the Emerald City.

“I know I messed up. I still care about you,” he told Sherman. “I know I made some mistakes. And if you just give me a chance, you think about coming back, I promise, I’ll treat you right.”

Sherman was one of the most beloved players during the Seahawks’ run throughout the early 2010s, so it would make sense to feel discontent at the mere concept of former fan favorites succeeding with another team, let alone a division rival.

Sherman responded to the apparent Seahawks fan’s plea by saying he appreciated the gesture but loves his current situation in the Bay Area.

“I really appreciate that and I’m so thankful,” Sherman said. “It had its ups and its downs, but right now the relationship I’m in I’m so happy. I’m so thankful for the people I have with me. They came to me in a time when I was really down and out, and they didn’t give up on me. There’s something about that you can just appreciate genuinely.”

Scores of 12s miss Sherman for his stellar play and personality, but his focus is on winning another Super Bowl championship while he still has the opportunity. Super Bowl LIV will kick off on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 3:30 p.m. PT.

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