NFL makes long-awaited decision with COVID protocols
The NFL is officially returning to normal life.
In a memo issued to all 32 teams on Thursday, the NFL and NFL Players Association announced that they have “agreed to suspend all aspects of the joint COVID-19 protocols, effective immediately.” There will be no more mandatory tests and no more mask requirements around facilities, unless there are local mandates in place.
You can see the full memo below:
Here’s the memo that just went to clubs on the NFL and NFLPA suspending all COVID-19 protocols. No more masks, tracking devices, mandatory surveillance testing or capacity limits, unless required by state and local law. pic.twitter.com/TIdvfCWr9m
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 3, 2022
The NFL did not cancel a single game despite dealing with a pandemic for two entire seasons. That approach was obviously the right one, as there were no known serious consequences from teams playing games or fans being allowed in stadiums.
We saw some absurd policing of COVID protocols at times, so players will likely be relieved to have that over with. Hopefully that is the way things stay.
Photo: Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the final pick of the 2021 NFL Draft for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports