The NFL made it clear that all teams and players will have a definite advantage if their personnel get vaccinated. And Patrick Peterson hopes players get the message.
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The NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams outlining new COVID protocols for 2021 training camps. The protocols, agreed upon by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, give vaccinated players the freedom to return to a more normal work environment while unvaccinated players will continue to be subject to stringent testing and fines if they violate protocols.
Here’s a breakdown from last week’s memo of the new restrictions that go into effect Monday. The league has made clear it does not expect to roll back these restrictions at any point during the 2021 season, even for those granted an exemption. pic.twitter.com/VArIvbn3zC
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 4, 2021
So, as of right now, it is not mandatory for players to be vaccinated, and they will not face any sort of punishment for not taking the vaccine. An unvaccinated player can interact freely with everyone whereas an unvaccinated staff member cannot.
The NFL allows unvaccinated individuals to keep Tier 1/2 status if they provide a valid medical or religious reason, but has advised teams to consider restricting their access. For many coaches, there are two choices as of now: Get vaccinated or spend the season in your office.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 4, 2021
Patrick Peterson spoke about the advantages of getting vaccinated.
On the latest episode of his podcast “All Things Covered” with Bryant McFadden, Patrick Peterson was critical of players that were not vaccinated> players could hurt the team with a single positive test, or having close contact with someone who tests positive.
“If you’re not vaccinated … you’re just living in a different world, first and foremost,” Peterson said. “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 said he had no side effects from the vaccine. “I am vaccinated,” Peterson said. “I was perfectly fine.”
Patrick Peterson thinks NFL players should get vaccinated
(via @ATCoveredPod) pic.twitter.com/IdM6Bt6Iw5
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) June 25, 2021
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters in May that 30 of the 32 teams have more than 90 percent of Tier 1 and Tier 2 coaching staff personnel fully vaccinated.
