NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero gave a vaccination update on Wednesday. “Vaccination update 20 days before most NFL teams report to camp,” said Pelissero on Twitter. “Five teams have 85% or more players with at least one shot, 68% of players league-wide with at least one shot (national rate is 67.1%, and 53% among men 18-39). Virtually all Tier 1 and 2 personnel are vaccinated.”
The numbers show a slight increase in the percentage of vaccinated players. NFL insider, Adam Schefter, reported that only 65% of NFL players were vaccinated in June. Numerous players have been openly against receiving the vaccine. Amongst those includes Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley, who doesn’t plan on getting vaccinated, and has even said he’d rather retire than get vaccinated.
The league has started to incentivize players who get their vaccines. The NFL is willing to loosen restrictions for those who are vaccinated and provide them their per-game roster bonuses. Vaccinated players will still receive their per-game roster bonus if they somehow test positive for COVID-19. The players who are not vaccinated will undergo strict restrictions, and if an unvaccinated player tests positive and misses time, they’ll run the risk of losing their bonus money.
The league requires coaches and other staff vaccinations to be eligible for Tier 1 or 2 status and the ability to work directly with players. Those who aren’t will not be able to receive either tier status.
