The NFL and the NFLPA released new protocols today for dealing with Covid-19. Both the league and the players are making it clear that life will be much more difficult for the unvaccinated. The protocols were updated for players, coaches, and the media.
Media members that are not vaccinated will see their access to games severely restricted according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. They will not have access to the press box, field, sidelines or locker rooms. Those that are vaccinated will be able to do in-person interviews with players for the first time since early 2020.
Unvaccinated players and coaches will not be able to gather outside of the team facilities or outside of team-organized travel. They will also be under heavier scrutiny regarding their activities away from the field. That likely will play a large role in how the media covers teams and what kinds of questions coaches and players can expect before and during the regular season.
Vaccinated individuals will only have to test for Covid every two weeks. The unvaccinated are still subject to daily testing. Anyone found to be positive will go into a mandatory five day isolation.
The NFL is still asking players, coaches and the media to observe social distancing practices. Those will play a role in the ability to work in-person.
