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Impact of zero preseason games
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The NFL partnered with Oakley this summer to develop new masks for players’ helmets, which theoretically would help limit COVID-19 exposure on the field. As the 2020 season approaches, at least one prominent player has started practicing with that visor. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson told Joel McHale about “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” On Tuesday, while he believes it would be “crazy” for the NFL to require players to wear masks this year, he wants to be ready in case they do.
“That will be crazy if we have to do that,” said Wilson. “Actually, I’ve been practicing with it, every day just so I can get used to it if necessary. But, you know, we’re already out there. So maybe it’s a little late for that.”
Wilson alludes to the fact that most NFL teams are expected to show up at training camp this week, while the league and the NFL Players Association have yet to finalize the protocol involving the COVID team- 19. As the Associated Press reported in June, the players’ leadership worked alongside the NFL as Oakley developed prototypes for face shields, which would essentially replace traditional helmet visors. But it is unclear whether the NFL will actually require all players to wear shields. Players reportedly “shot down” an alternate option for wearing specially designed face masks.
Wilson, in particular, has recently spoken about the NFL’s demanding details regarding the COVID-19 protocol in 2020. The Pro Bowler was one of the biggest names to lead an NFLPA social media campaign on Sunday, when dozens of players mentioned the league leadership and called for security measures to be resolved before the season.
“It is very, very important that we do it the right way at the highest level,” Wilson told McHale. “I think that is the concern. At the end of the day, we want to play. But we want to do it safely.”
