NFL Rumors

NFL & NFLPA Agree To Updated COVID-19 Protocols For Training Camp & Preseason

June 16, 2021

Tom Pelissero reports the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to updated COVID-19 protocols for training camp and the preseason in 2021.

The general thrust of a memo sent out to teams is that there will be far fewer restrictions for vaccinated players than unvaccinated ones this coming season.

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

Non-vaccinated players will

Be subjected to daily COVID-19 testing
Required to wear masks at the team facility and during travel, as well as social distance
Quarantine after high-risk exposures to COVID-19
May not eat with teammates in the cafeteria
Cannot eat out on team road trips, leave team hotel or interact with anyone outside the team traveling group
Not be allowed to participate in social/media/marketing sponsorship activities
Banned from sauna/steam room
Cannot attend bars, nightclubs, parties, concerts, etc
Are subject to fines for violating any of the protocols

Unvaccinated players are prohibited from gathering outside of the club facility or team travel, per Pelissero, including for meetings, practices or training activities unless approved by the NFL and NFLPA.

Vaccinated players also will not be counted as high-risk close contacts if exposed to individuals with COVID-19 and will not have to enter the five-day quarantine.

They will be tested for COVID-19 once every two weeks as opposed to daily. Unvaccinated players who are free agents will also be subjected to the five-day testing process before they can join the team, as opposed to vaccinated players who can sign immediately.

For unvaccinated players who violate these protocols, the NFL can issue fines up to $50,000 for first offenses.

In addition, Pelissero reports full-vaccinated media members will be allowed into the locker room to conduct interviews.

We’ll have more on the 2021 COVID-19 protocols as the news is available.