NFL Sends Out Memo Strongly Encouraging Players To Get Vaccinated

The NFL has made their stance very clear as it pertains to the COVID-19 vaccine. They would really prefer if the players receive the vaccination prior to next season. However, they have acknowledged that they cannot force individuals to do so.

With that being said, the NFL will be much more relaxed with COVID protocols on the players and members of teams’ personnel who opt for getting vaccinated.

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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, players who take the vaccine will not be required to wear a mask at their facility or during game day.

In a memo sent to teams today, the NFL is encouraging players and personnel to get vaccinated. Team facilities were safest place to be in the community. NFL believes it will make it even safer and help return to normalcy – no testing, won’t have to wear a mask or tracking device. pic.twitter.com/DTsOlRmgDk

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 13, 2021

Perhaps the biggest hammer the NFL is willing to drop down is on team staffers who decide against the vaccine. Those individuals will not be allowed to work ‘in close proximity with the players’.

Per ESPN:

According to the memo, “any staffer that refuses to be vaccinated without either a religious or medical reason will not be eligible for Tier 1 or 2 status and therefore will not be permitted access to the ‘football only’ restricted area and may not work directly or in close proximity with players.” Non-vaccinated employees also won’t be eligible for an anticipated relaxation of certain COVID-19 protocols for vaccinated individuals.

The NFL is certainly doing everything within its power to get the players and employees around the league to take the vaccine. Will it lead to more vaccinations, or a feud between the league and the teams? My guess, is that it’ll be a little bit of both.

I’d expect this to be a storyline across all major sports.

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