Over the past two seasons, the NFL scheduled 554 games and played 554 games, including both Super Bowls on time. A remarkable feat under challenging circumstances that the league and union navigated together. https://t.co/u9RtKnEHHP
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 3, 2022
In a move that should finally help things get back to normal from a football standpoint, Tom Pelissero is reporting that the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to lift the joint COVID-19 related protocols, sending a memo to all 32 teams.
According to the memo, regardless of league personnel’s vaccination status, there will be no more testing, no more tracking devices, and no more tiers or limits in cafeterias/weight rooms.
Masks are reportedly no longer required in team facilities, regardless of vaccination status.
“We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of the players, coaches, and staff, as we have throughout the pandemic,” the NFL said in the memo. “Should there be a reason to reimpose aspects of the Protocols or to take other measures, we will work closely with clubs, the NFLPA, and our respective experts, and local, state, and federal public health officials to continue to safeguard the health of the NFL community.”
Teams will still be required to remain “in compliance with state and local law and are free to continue reasonable measures to protect their staff and players,” according to the memo, but from an NFL point of view, the media should eventually return to the locker room and fan access should return to some sort of normalcy.
