The NFLPA sent out a memo to agents about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic Monday that opened with a sentence that puts the 2020 NFL season in doubt.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network shared the memo on Twitter.
The key phrase that stood out here is this: “As we consider the possibility of beginning an NFL season in the midst of this COVID crisis…”
Will the 2020 NFL season be played?
So…are we getting NFL football or not?
It’s a tricky question. The NFL is moving forward as if it’s a foregone conclusion that the 2020 NFL season will be played. On time, as the schedule dictates, with the first game being played on Thursday night, Sept. 10, in Kansas City.
However, the NFLPA has in the past made it clear that it’s not quite as simple as all that. In fact, the new NFLPA president, J.C. Tretter, has recently been vocal about saying nothing has been agreed to between the players and NFL about a reopening plan.
Now you see why those words, “consider the possibility” remain so salient when discussing the 2020 NFL season.
NFL players concerned about COVID-19
More than a few NFL players have expressed their concerns about trying to play football amid the coronavirus pandemic. Among them, Ezekiel Elliott said he’s not sure it should happen until more questions about player health and safety are answered.
Recently, veteran New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins shared a pessimistic view about whether it should happen.
Meanwhile, there is a growing sentiment around the NFL that, even if the season starts on time, it will probably get shut down before the 2020 season can be concluded.
A big reason for this is that the United States is seeing a significant spike in positive COVID-19 tests. This is happening in almost every state in the nation, and experts agree the second wave has not yet arrived.