These days, pro football players know what they’re getting into. When they sign up, they understand there’s a chance they’ll suffer a serious injury at some point, possibly even developing CTE which could affect their quality of life long after they have retired.
COVID-19 is another story, though. This week sports are finally returning in the U.S., with the baseball season set to begin, the NBA resuming and NFL players reporting to training camp. Athletes are undertaking an unusual risk this year. Even if they’re young and healthy and unlikely to have a bad outcome, there’s always the chance they can pass the virus to a friend or family member.
It would be understandable if some players decide to sit out this season. One Panthers legend says he wouldn’t show up if he were still active. Here’s what Julius Peppers had to say on Twitter.
Peppers was one of the toughest competitors we have ever seen in the sport, so this is no snowflake we’re talking about here.
The league has been negotiating with the NFLPA about opt-outs for players for this season. They need to give written notice by August 1. As of yet, nobody has said they’re sitting out.
