The Giants players followed the lead of several other NFL teams, announcing Thursday that they will not be attending face-to-face volunteer training, citing concerns from COVID-19. The off-season training program is scheduled to begin Monday.
So far, the Super Bowl champions Broncos, Seahawks, Patriots, Lions, Browns, Bears and Buccaneers have made public their intention to stay away from any face-to-face training this spring.
In a statement issued on behalf of the NFL Players Association, the Giants players said, “Our team is a strong, unified brotherhood of professionals who love the game of football and work year-round to perfect it. We must also make the best decision to protect our health and safety, which is why the players on our team exercise our CBA right not to attend face-to-face voluntary training.We stand in solidarity with the players of our team. league that they make informed decisions with the help of our union, both in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and from what data show on the benefits to our overall health and safety. “
Last year, the entire NFL ran remote low-season programs.
Veterans and established players will not be affected by this, but young players, draft picks, unwritten rookies and those on the margins of the roster could be affected by not having the opportunity to leave. printing at computer facilities.
This week the NFL announced that the third phase of its low-season program will contain ten voluntary field practices and a mandatory three-day minicamp, which will run from May 24 to June 18.