A Number of NFL Players Opt Out for 2020 Season on Account of Coronavirus

The sports world truly tried, didn’t they?  Amid a global pandemic, these multi-million, (and perhaps even billion), dollar industries really gave it their all in terms of trying to get their 2020 seasons off the ground.

For the MLS, the solution was to sequester the entire league away in Orlando at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex.  The NBA will be doing something similar.

MLB tried a less intense version of travel restrictions by simply realigning their divisions, but this has already proved to be a fatal flaw on account of the situation unfolding within the Miami Marlins clubhouse.

Now there are fears that the NFL season may not even get a chance to try, as players from some of the league’s most noteworthy teams are already opting out for 2020.

New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower and safety Patrick Chung are among the starters opting out of the 2020 season, league sources told ESPN on Tuesday.‬

Running back Brandon Bolden also is planning to opt out of the season, a source told ESPN. Starting offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, fullback Danny Vitale and reserve offensive lineman Najee Toran earlier decided to opt out for the Patriots.

According to an agreement approved by both the league and the NFL Players Association, players considered high risk for COVID-19 can earn $350,000 and an accrued NFL season if they choose to opt out. Players without risk can earn $150,000 for opting out.

While it hasn’t been explicitly stated, Hightower became a father for the first time just this month, leading many to believe that the safety of his safety of his family affected his decision.

The opt-out movement appeared to be spreading early this week, with players from several other NFL teams, including the Patriots’ rival Buffalo Bills, also choosing to forego the season on account of the global pandemic.