NFL releases updated COVID protocols for players, media ahead of training camp
As the sports world continues to move toward a post-COVID-19 setting, the NFL has released new policies and protocols for players, coaches and media in a joint agreement with the NFL Players Association.
Foremost among protocols is how different the preseason will be for players and individuals who are vaccinated and who not fully vaccinated.
For those fully vaccinated, there will be no daily testing, whereas those who are not fully vaccinated must be tested every day. It will be the same for face coverings, with none required if fully vaccinated and mandated at club facility and team travel if not.
Those who are not fully vaccinated, including players, will be prohibited from gathering outside club facilities or team travel. NFL players who are not fully vaccinated will be barred from going to nightclubs, bars, house parties, concerts, etc. Failure to follow the protocols could result in fines of $50,000 for a first offense.
Coaches and staff members who are not fully vaccinated — and do not have religious or medical exemptions — will not be eligible for Tier 1 or 2 status in training camp and will therefore not be allowed to work in-person with players.
Fully vaccinated media members will be allowed to conduct in-person interviews, which was prohibited throughout the 2020 season. In contrast, media members who are not fully vaccinated are not allowed to access the press box, field, sidelines and locker rooms.
Though fans will not be allowed to interact with players, they are allowed to attend training camps. They must remain more than 20 feet from Tier 1 staff, including players, and adhere to physical distancing.
The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to updated COVID-19 protocols for 2021 training camp and preseason, per source.
How different will life by for vaccinated and unvaccinated players? From the memo that just went to clubs: pic.twitter.com/8yMPW0JBWZ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 16, 2021
The mandatory use of face coverings has been eliminated for fully vaccinated coaches under the updated protocols. So, goodbye to Andy Reid’s mask and other vestiges of the 2020 COVID season.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 16, 2021