Thursday, Dec 31 2020. 18:02
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NFL Players’ Association president JC Tretter is calling for significant reduction in off-season activity under the pandemic to become the norm.
The Cleveland Browns center posted its thoughts on the union’s website Thursday. He cited changes made to the collective agreement early in 2020 and then changes forced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID convention has brought about significant changes and it has shown us an effective new way to prepare players and teams to play in the NFL,” wrote Tretter. We have spent less time in training than ever this year. We didn’t have any practice during the offseason, less practice during camp and no pre-season games. While some feared this could lead to poorer quality gaming in 2020, the reality is that the level of play across the circuit has never been higher. “
“I believe the changes put in place this season have shown that we can provide an entertaining product on the pitch while reducing fatigue and wear and tear on the players’ bodies. “
Tretter emphasized reducing activities during the off-season, which usually start early in the spring and end around mid-June. These activities include optional and compulsory camps.
“We’re the only major sports league with an offseason schedule,” he added. The most physically demanding sport is the only one that requires its players to participate in additional training out of the season. The argument for these workouts is based on the assumption that players need repetitions during team activities to develop and learn, while the team needs these workouts to develop cohesion. However, the cancellation of these activities this year shows that these theories were not justified. First year coaches have had success. Newly assembled teams have been successful. Rookies have played and contributed at a high level all across the league. “
Tretter added that NFL players are professionals and know how to stay fit and learn the playbook during the offseason: “We don’t need to train against each other from April to June, it’s just unnecessary. “
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has previously said some changes made in 2020 will remain the norm going forward. He specifically spoke about remote working during the pandemic.
“I think teams are comfortable with many facets of our experience with offseason training and virtual work,” Goodell said recently. I believe it will be more and more frequent and that it will be productive. “
