2020 NFL Season – Everything You Need to Know.

The NFL and NFLPA are actively engaged in negotiations regarding an economic proposal. It will deal with a steep revenue decrease that might happen due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Now,  discussions are going on related to how any footballer might opt out of the upcoming season.

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NFL finalizes dates for players’ reporting

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero recently reported that the NFL has sent all clubs the final reporting date for their players.

Pelissero Tweeted a part of the proposal, along with the caption, “#Chiefs QBs and rookies and #Texans rookies are the first scheduled to report Monday. All other clubs can have rookies report as early as Tuesday, with vets for all 32 clubs due in camp July 28. Meanwhile, talks between the NFL and NFLPA on protocols continue.”

As per the report, rookies are asked to report on July 21, quarterbacks and injured players on July 23, while all other players have been called on July 28.

NFL opt-outs

The league and the union have also planned an opt-out path for footballers who have been facing pre-existing COVID-19 conditions or have family members with pre-existing conditions.

They have also taken into account the scenarios under which any player may want to opt-out of play simply because of the general concerns regarding the pandemic.

Pelissero also reported that the NFL has sent its proposal to the NFLPA that deals with the situation that might occur in case any player decides to opt-out of the season.

In that case, the concerned athlete is expected to submit a written notice before August 1.

He Tweeted, “Another key piece of the NFL’s proposal: Any player may opt out of the 2020 season with written notice by Aug. 1.”

Further, NFL Network insider, Ian Rapoport Tweeted that once any player decides to opt-out, he cannot reverse his decision. He also said that teams cannot exercise negotiations with the player.

However, the club can still trade the athlete seeking an opt-out.

His Tweet reads, “One note on the proposed opt-out: Once it is given, it’s irrevocable and a team can’t negotiate with that player (tho he can be traded). This would prevent holdouts disguised as opt-outs.”

A season like never before

With the Coronavirus pandemic not showing signs of slowing down, the NFL’s future remains uncertain. However, the authorities have claimed that they would conduct the campaign as per their original schedules.

Earlier this month, when it was announced that the Week 1 and 3 of the preseason won’t be played, experts saw clouds of anxiety.

One thing is for sure. Even if the season goes as per their plans, this year, the sport will look significantly different than what it used to be. No, the players won’t be wearing masks while playing, but the stands are likely to remain vacant.

And if the situation doesn’t recover until January 2021, we may have to see Super Bowl champions lifting the trophy without their supporters’ live cheers. Well, that would be a first in the history of football.

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