Chicago Bears players are taking a stand when it comes to the nine-week voluntary offseason program that the NFL announced on Wednesday.
A majority of Bears players are choosing not to participate in in-person workouts due to COVID-19 concerns, as addressed in a memo sent by the NFLPA.
COVID-19 remains a risk both to out team, our families and to our fellow NFL players. We also saw the health and safety benefits of a fully virtual offseason, as injuries across the NFL were down last year. Players remain unclear about the protocols and protections, and rules remain inconsistent despite the last-minute communication by the NFL.
It is for these reasons that the majority of our locker room are choosing to exercise our right and not participate in in-person voluntary workouts in order to stay as safe as possible.
A statement from the Chicago Bears players: pic.twitter.com/AQNAqQwsQ2
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 15, 2021
The first phase of the Bears’ offseason program is set to kick off Monday. It would span four weeks and consist of strictly virtual meetings with no on-field drills or work with coaches. The Bears aim to have the COVID-19 vaccine available to players, staff and their families during this time before the on-field work begins.
In the second phase, which will last from May 17 to May 21, virtual meetings will remain in effect. Players will be able to participate in on-field drills with coaches, per CBA rules, but there will be no contact allowed.
With the third and final phase, which lasts from May 24 to June 17, there will be traditional organized team activities (OTAs) that will span 10 days. Those practices will be full speed, but no contact is allowed. Meetings can be in-person or virtual, depending on the club’s discretion.
While most of the offseason program is voluntary, there is one mandatory minicamp, which will take place during this third phase.
