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There is no time in the world except the present; future plans are as a tangible as alternate realities thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unlike a majority of the other sports league, the pandemic occurred in early parts of the NFL’s offseason, which gives pro football a chance to adapt its regular season to the “new normal.”
Though there is a strong belief the 101st NFL season will happen, it is still possible it may not due to a dreaded second wave on infections.
For Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, he prepares for the 2020 season one day at a time, regardless of what the future may allow or postpone.
“All I know is I’m preparing like it’s going to happen on time like normal, and I’m getting ready for training camp just like it’s going to happen at a normal time,” Watt told Houston media on a video conference Wednesday.
One of the plans the NFL has, as do all of the sports leagues, is to play games without fans in the stadium.
“As far as fans or no fans, obviously we always prefer to play in front of fans,” said Watt. “We love our fans and it makes the game — the energy, the excitement, the adrenaline — it makes it what it is. But at the same time, as an athlete and as a competitor, you can play in front of no fans.
“We want to go out there and compete. It doesn’t matter if it’s a practice against another team, it doesn’t matter if it’s a practice against your own team, it doesn’t matter if it’s in the weight room against yourself. You’re always looking to compete.”
There is some optimism on the horizon as a recent report indicates NFL teams could have minicamps as soon as June.