The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
NFL’s top stat? COVID-19 vaccine percentages
The NFL’s most discussed stat has been COVID-19 vaccination percentages.
As the first week of training camp kicked off, numbers continue to increase while debate persists.
So far, 88.5% of players have had at least one shot of the vaccine and 20 teams have more than 90% of players vaccinated, including eight with more than 95% vaccinated.
The league can’t mandate the vaccine but it made its stance clear through strict protocols for players who don’t get it.
“I wouldn’t have got the vaccine without the protocols they are enforcing on us,” Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill said this week. “It’s a personal decision for everyone. Everyone has to make the best decision for them and their families. That is kind of our mindset in this building, but they are trying to force your hand. ...
“I love this game, I love this team, I want to be able to compete and do the things that are important to build chemistry and win football games. Ultimately, that forced my hand into getting the vaccine.”
Some players are willing to endure daily testing, wearing masks, physical distancing and more restrictions to avoid the vaccine. They won’t be allowed to eat meals with teammates; can’t participate in media or marketing activities while traveling; aren’t permitted to use the sauna or steam room; and may not leave the team hotel or interact with people outside the team on the road.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley has strongly argued against the vaccine, even engaging in public debate with teammates about it on social media.
“I’m not anti- or provax. I’m pro choice,” Beasley said. “With that being said, the issue at hand is information being withheld from players in order for a player to be swayed in a direction he may not be comfortable with. When dealing with a player’s health and safety, there should be complete transparency regarding information that is vital in the decision-making process.”
Shortly after Beasley spoke to reporters he released a new rap song in which he says there “ain’t a vaccination” for him.
Teams are required to make unvaccinated players visually identifiable and the league recommended use of colored wristbands or credentials.
NFLPA President JC Tretter harshly criticized that practice.
“So what it really comes down to is the NFL wanted to put a policy in place to try to shame unvaccinated players publicly about their status and make that known to everybody on the field, and that shouldn’t be the case because it’s unnecessary,” said Tretter, a center for the Cleveland Browns. “We all know who’s vaccinated, who’s not and it doesn’t need to be a scarlet marking on peoples’ helmets or wrists.”
The Browns aren’t using the colored wristbands but vaccine status is visible on their credentials.
“We’re not dividing the team over this issue,” coach Kevin Stefanski said.