NFL, union approve virtual offseason workout program
The NFL and its players union have agreed to conduct “virtual” offseason workout programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic until every team is permitted to open its facilities.
Teams can hold voluntary classroom instruction, workouts and non-football educational programs using online platforms, according to a memo sent to the teams that was obtained by The Associated Press.
League executive Troy Vincent said it’s imperative to be “reasonable and responsible in the current environment.”
The three-week, virtual offseason starts on April 20 for teams with new head coaches and April 27 for the others. It runs through May 15. Teams with a new head coach have the option to go four weeks.
A team can’t begin its virtual program after April 27. Teams also can’t save their virtual weeks for use after facilities open and players return to the field.
Participating players must be paid the $235 daily minimum and players with offseason workout bonuses must be credited for their participation in those sessions. Each rookie player will receive a minimum of $135 for each day he participates in a club’s development program.
Teams can provide workout equipment worth up to $1,500 per player.
The league’s offseason program concludes June 26. If stay-at-home orders throughout the country continue into the summer, teams will have to conduct a mandatory veteran minicamp in a virtual manner.
“Whatever we do is going to be in compliance with the governing rules of the particular state and it’s going to be consistent with good and recommended medical health practices,” NFL lead counsel Jeff Pash said. “We’re going to do it in a way that preserves competitive equity and doesn’t expose anyone to risks that the medical profession says people shouldn’t be exposed to. We’re going to rely on that kind of guidance.”
Pash said the league has not discussed contingency plans to alter the schedule, or play games outside a team’s home stadium.
-
2024-25 NFL MVP odds: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen early favorites
Broncos' Bo Nix wows Sean Payton with array of impressive passes at minicamp
Chargers rookie Brenden Rice, Jerry Rice's son, feels he has plenty to prove
-
Austin Rivers calls out James Jones for career critique; Jones responds
NFL's 5 most improved teams of the offseason
NFL's 5 least improved teams of the offseason: Cowboys or Bills more disappointing?
-
Julian Edelman reveals backstage tension between Kraft, Belichick at Brady roast
Pats' No. 3 pick Drake Maye wraps up first taste of NFL at rookie minicamp
Tom Brady admits his departure from Patriots was due to Bill Belichick
-
2024-25 NFL MVP odds: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen early favorites
Broncos' Bo Nix wows Sean Payton with array of impressive passes at minicamp
Chargers rookie Brenden Rice, Jerry Rice's son, feels he has plenty to prove
-
Austin Rivers calls out James Jones for career critique; Jones responds
NFL's 5 most improved teams of the offseason
NFL's 5 least improved teams of the offseason: Cowboys or Bills more disappointing?
-
Julian Edelman reveals backstage tension between Kraft, Belichick at Brady roast
Pats' No. 3 pick Drake Maye wraps up first taste of NFL at rookie minicamp
Tom Brady admits his departure from Patriots was due to Bill Belichick