Report: NFLPA Pushing for Virtual Offseason Program
The NFLPA is reportedly lobbying for another virtual offseason program, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
Florio’s sources say that the league and NFLPA have yet to iron out the details for the looming offseason slate, but that the union wants it to be conducted in a virtual format as it was in 2020.
The NFLPA’s desire stems from the advice of medical experts, as the union feels it is the safest and smartest course of action amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
With cases still rising nationwide and herd immunity from vaccines likely not a reality until mid-summer, the players’ concerns are understandable.
According to Florio, the league could push back by making in-person and only available to players that have received the vaccine. While many professional athletes have expressed hesitancy towards getting the shot, the NFL circumvent that and incentives the vaccine through this method.
Still, the option would likely cause a divide between players and uncover an underlying reason why the NFLPA prefers a virtually offseason.
Florio added that young and unproven players would jump at the chance to get a vaccine if it gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their value at an NFL camp.
If young players impressed, it could mean more expensive veterans get cut.
This why the NFLPA also wants the offseason program to be entirely virtual, according to Florio. To ensure older, higher paid players kept around instead of being undercut by cheaper options.
Who runs the NFLPA? Veteran players.
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