Speaking on his “All Things Covered” podcast with Bryant McFadden, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson encouraged NFL players to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Peterson said in his latest episode that unvaccinated players could hurt their teams if they miss games because of a positive test or having close contact with someone who tests positive.
“If you’re not vaccinated…you’re just living in a different world,” Peterson explained. “I just think, why go through those things? Why put yourself at risk of going through that again? … Why not put yourself in the best position possible to win a championship?”
Peterson also said that he has been vaccinated and was “perfectly fine” with no side effects.
COVID-19 vaccinations have been a hot topic around the NFL with teams preparing for training camp. While Roger Goodell told reporters in May that 30 of 32 teams have more than 90 percent of Tier 1 and Tier 2 coaching staff has been fully vaccinated, some players have been reluctant to get the vaccine.
That includes Vikings players Harrison Smith and Adam Thielen, who told reporters during last month’s minicamp that they have not been vaccinated.
While NFL teams can’t force players to get vaccinated, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer told his players that unvaccinated players will have “a harder time” next season due to strict NFL protocols.
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 Vikings were able to stay away from the COVID-19 infections last season but are likely trying to avoid the scenario that saw Thielen miss a game last November while on the COVID-19/Reserve list.
With training camp one month away, Peterson may have some more convincing to do before the Vikings hold their first practice on July 28.
