The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the sporting scenario across the globe. Not only are events halted, but athletes are worried about the proceedings.
Even in the NFL, the top-most athletes have expressed their concerns regarding the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the league has announced its reporting dates for players. The training camp is all set to kick off later this month.
All eyes are now on the health and safety protocols that the league authorities would adapt. However, it seems like the players are not convinced about the health and safety assurances that these protocols have to offer.
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Patrick Mahomes is one of those to have raised his voice against the same on social media.
READ MORE: 2020 NFL Season – Everything You Need to Know.
Patrick Mahomes demands safety
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently Tweeted his concerns regarding the 2020 season. He wishes that the NFL would soon come up with a series of suitable plans to ensure players’ safety.
Mahomes is joined by the likes of New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees, and Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson, as they discussed the potential challenges on Twitter.
The Wilsons are expecting. Therefore, the safety of his family is something that takes precedence over all else, and understandably so.
One thing is clear. None of them want to opt-out. In fact, they admitted to their desire of returning to the football pitch. However, they are worried about the consequences that might arise because of the lack of proper health and safety protocols.
Patrick Mahomes and others raise concerns
The 26-year-old quarterback wrote, “Getting ready to report this week hoping the @NFL will come to agreement with the safe and right protocols so we can feel protected playing the sport we love #WeWantToPlay”
Getting ready to report this week hoping the @NFL will come to agreement with the safe and right protocols so we can feel protected playing the sport we love #WeWantToPlay
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) July 19, 2020
The Seahawks man wrote, “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”
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
Saints’ Brees Tweeted, “We need Football! We need sports! We need hope! The NFL’s unwillingness to follow the recommendations of their own medical experts will prevent that. If the NFL doesn’t do their part to keep players healthy there is no football in 2020. It’s that simple. Get it done @NFL”
We need Football! We need sports! We need hope! The NFL’s unwillingness to follow the recommendations of their own medical experts will prevent that. If the NFL doesn’t do their part to keep players healthy there is no football in 2020. It’s that simple. Get it done @NFL
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) July 19, 2020
Things getting more serious than ever
Five months into the pandemic and the United States of America still tops the global list of COVID-19 positive cases. They have so far recorded nearly 4 million infections, as the death toll stands at just over 143,000.
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The rate of positive cases is increasing by the day and it isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. On average, the US is seeing a daily increase in cases by 25000-30,000.
But one thing seems likely. And that is, in the upcoming weeks, we might see some footballers opting out of the season. The list may sport some of the biggest names in the biz. The NFL’s response to the demands and concerns of its top athletes remains to be seen.
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Adhering to the recommendations from medical practitioners is the only viable solution to avoid trouble.
READ MORE: All We Know About the Upcoming NFL Season and The Protocols