Players across the NFL voiced their displeasure on Twitter on Sunday as the league has not revealed its protocols for training camp, which begins on July 28.
At the heart of the discussion is how the league is planning to keep players safe amidst the COVID-19 pandemic including testing procedures and what guidelines will be followed if a player tests positive.
Among the players questioning the league’s plans is Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who tweeted out what the players know and don’t know one week out from camp.
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
After Watt’s tweet, players followed suit under the hashtag #WeWantToPlay. Vikings linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks were two of those players, voicing their concern with players reporting to camp and what could come of it if it’s not handled properly.
https://twitter.com/AnthonyBarr/status/1284881361082347520
I just want to play football with my teammates but we need the @NFL to step up and create a safe work environment for us!  #wewanttoplay
— Eric Kendricks (@erickendricks6) July 19, 2020
Former Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs also got into the act, comparing the NFL’s situation to the NBA’s which is planning to restart its season in a “bubble” in Orlando later this month.
If #AdamSilver can respect the voices and protect his @NBA players why can’t @NFLcommish do the same? Listen to your players. If we want to have a full season it will have to look different with OUR safety as the priority. @NFL make the necessary changes. #WeWantToPlay
— DIGGS (@stefondiggs) July 19, 2020
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson also voiced his opinion and revealed that the concerns are not just about the players on the field, but their families off of it.
I am concerned.
My wife is pregnant.@NFL Training camp is about to start..And there’s still No Clear Plan on Player Health & Family Safety. 🤷🏾
We want to play football but we also want to protect our loved ones. #WeWantToPlay
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) July 19, 2020
Of the major sports that have been impacted by COVID-19, the NFL has had the benefit of waiting and seeing what other leagues have done to play through the pandemic.
Even with that added time, the NFL hasn’t announced protocol for camp outside of media procedures and teams including the Vikings closing their camps to fans.
Instead, the NFL has maintained the status quo this offseason, conducting a fully virtual draft, releasing their schedule, and even suggesting that they expect stadiums to be at full capacity for the start of the 2020 season.
Those plans have backfired on the NFL and with players and coaches waiting for a response, all eyes are on the league and commissioner Roger Goodell to see what they will do.
