Cleveland Browns center JC Tretter is at the forefront of the league’s adjustments to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As the president of the NFLPA, Tretter has been actively involved in working with the NFL to develop the strategies to get back on the field in a safe manner.
In an interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio this week, Tretter talked about the very real dangers the logistics of football puts on the players on the field.
“This is a game that is almost built to pass this virus,” Tretter said. “In the trenches, pretty much every play you’re getting someone who spits on your face when you’re (an) offensive/defensive lineman. You’re a foot away from each other all the time.”
Tretter continued,
“You’re almost having to rethink everything you’re doing on the field and how you can keep players safe.”
He also talked about how the teams handle practices and the locker room scenarios in the era of social distancing, noting that “packing guys into the weight room, packing guys into meeting rooms” is not the best way to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
Tretter emphasized, “The players will have to feel safe” and their families must as well before the game can go forward.
