As training camps begin in earnest in the NFL this week, Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke to fans around the world with a letter released on Monday.
After an off-season with no activity due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, football activities will soon resume in the NFL amid the most unusual circumstances in our country’s recent history. With an unprecedented environment will come football with an unprecedented appearance. Safety will be of the utmost importance to all who participate in and oversee operations throughout the league.
The game will continue and Goodell is ready to get the ball rolling. One point he made sure to note: just like the game itself, some adjustments might be needed.
“Adaptability and flexibility will be needed for the foreseeable future,” Goodell wrote. “After all, even the best game plan changes as new challenges arise. This year’s NFL Draft is a good example that embracing change can still deliver the fun and excitement we all crave.
“While this year will be forever defined by a heartbreaking global pandemic and transformative social justice movement, I remember the tenacious and resilient spirit of our country, the NFL community and you the biggest fans. of the world. Thank you for your continued support. “
Goodell’s full letter can be read below:
This week, training camps across the country are starting and before we know it the NFL season will be here. It’s always the most optimistic time of year for our fans and for the 32 teams. In a year that has been extremely difficult for our country and the world, we hope that the energy of this moment will bring some much-needed optimism.
In the months since the COVID-19 pandemic that rocked the world, we have walked through time with care, reflection and in partnership with the NFL Players Association with the common goal of playing a healthy and complete 2020 season. This process has not been easy – COVID-19 will continue to present a major challenge in almost every area of American life. Football is no exception.
Every step of the way, we have focused on the safety of players, coaches, staff, supporters and our communities. Our planning followed the lead of medical experts and public health officials, including the CDC, the White House task force, governors, and state health officials. As we have developed our 2020 Return to Football Playbook, safety remains our number one priority; this commitment will remain paramount as the players return to the field.
The NFL in 2020 will not be like any other year. Players and coaches will be tested regularly for the virus, including every day for a while. The preseason games have been canceled. Everyone in the team environment must follow rigorous health and safety protocols to protect themselves and the safety of others. If the test is positive, strict regulations will be enforced to isolate and treat that person and to contain the virus before it spreads. Even the sideline will be different. And state and local health guidelines will help determine if fans will attend the games. These adjustments are necessary to reduce the risk for everyone involved.
Thanks to the collaboration of the players and the hard work of our clubs, especially their medical and training staff, our plans are in place for the 2020 season. look inside the Rams training center for some of these plans in action.
Adaptability and flexibility will be needed for the foreseeable future. After all, even the best game plan changes as new challenges arise. This year’s NFL Draft is a great example that embracing change can still deliver the fun and excitement we all crave.
While this year will forever be marked by a heartbreaking global pandemic and transformative social justice movement, I remember the tenacious and resilient spirit of our country, the NFL community, and you, the biggest fans of the world. Thank you for your continued support.
