The NFL continues to be the one major sport still actively going about its business during the national shutdown for the coronavirus pandemic. Free agency has proceeded, and the 2020 NFL Draft will still take place later this month.
Based on the news from the owners’ meetings, conducted remotely via teleconference, the league is optimistic nothing will change come September, either.
In a conference call with reporters, NFL executive vice president Jeff Pash stressed it was still business as normal as far as the 2020 NFL schedule.
“All of our discussions, all of our focus has been on a normal traditional season, starting on time, playing in front of fans, in our regular stadiums, and going through a full 16-game regular season and a full set of playoffs,” Pash said. “That’s our focus.”
Pash did note the owners have discussed some contingency plans in case the pandemic impact lasts into the summer. That includes video conferencing for “virtual” training camp sessions. But as for the season itself, it’s guns blazing for normalcy.
“We did not discuss in either of our calls issues of shortened seasons or any changes in the structure of the season,” Pash continued. “We’re planning on going forward with a regular complete season, as I say, similar to what we play every other year.”
Here’s hoping the world returns to some semblance of normalcy in time for that to happen.
