Hightower, Damien Williams & Co. forego season due to Corona

Safety Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots found clear words in a zoom conference with reporters.

“I think it’s a joke that the NFL wants to change the opt-out period, mainly because they don’t want any more players to drop out. I’m sure they are shocked that so many want to miss the season “I think it’s terrible. I think it sucks that the league changed the date.”

For the upcoming NFL season, all players have the option to opt out of the season if they have concerns about the corona virus. Athletes with a high health risk will receive $ 350,000 from the NFL, while low-risk players will still receive $ 150,000 – however, this money will have to be returned to the team in question by the low-risk players in 2021, regardless of whether they make it into the squad.

Even later in the season – if, for example, a family member should fall ill – there is an option for the players to get out of the season. For all “dropouts” it will then continue in 2021 with the status of the current contract.

Dispute between players and the NFL

Now there is an argument. The league and union had originally agreed that players would have up to seven days after the collective agreement was amended to make a decision about whether to exit. Now the NFL and NFLPA have agreed on Tuesday, but the deadline for the players expires on Thursday at 10 p.m. German time.

So there can be no question of the announced seven days.

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For the individual NFL professionals, there are currently a variety of reasons why they don’t want to come back to the football field so quickly. Regardless of whether the season takes place in Corona-stricken America.

Not only well-known and comparatively wealthy players take advantage of the option to opt-out, the risks of COVID-19 are too great for many lesser-known professionals.

SPORT1 introduces the most famous players and their motivations.

– Dont’a Hightower (New England Patriots)

The New England Patriots’ linebacker is currently “more concerned about his family’s health than football”. He and his fiancée became parents of a son about three weeks ago, and his mother also has diabetes. For the godparents, the loss of the star linebacker is a big setback, but the resignation of Patrick Chung and Marcus Cannon also weigh heavily. The Patriots have the greatest losses with a total of eight players.

– C.J. Mosley (New York Jets)

The New York Jets also have to cope with a setback. Middle linebacker CJ Mosley also uses the opt-out option. Even if he has not yet publicly commented on his motives, US sources speak of family reasons. The second major loss in defense after Safety Jamal Adams’ trade.

– Damien Williams (Kansas City Chiefs)

After doctor and team-mate Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Williams is the second player in the Super Bowl winner that you won’t see on the field this year. “As an organization, we definitely understand and respect Damien’s decision because we know that it was made in the best interests of his family,” Chiefs GM Brett Veach said.

– Nate Solder (New York Giants)

The Giants’ offensive tackle will also no longer play in 2020. At Solder there are three reasons for his decision. His older son is currently battling cancer, the athlete himself has also had to fight the insidious disease, and he also has a newborn son.

– Devin Funchess (Green Bay Packers)

After not picking a single receiver in the draft, Packers should have been helped by Devin Funchess from the Colts in the coming season. But this one will also skip the season due to health concerns. A successor for the 26-year-old has not yet been determined.

An overview of all players who use the opt-out option:

Arizona Cardinals

Marcus Gilbert (Offensive Tackle)

Baltimore Ravens

Andre Smith (Offensive Tackle)
De’Anthony Thomas (Wide Receiver)

Buffalo Bills

E.J. Gaines (Cornerback)
Star Lotulelei (Defensive Tackle)

Carolina Panthers

Christian Miller (Outside Linebacker)
Jordan Mack (Linebacker)

Cincinnati Bengals

Isaiah Prince (Offensive Tackle)
Josh Tupou (Defensive Tackle)

Chicago Bears

Eddie Goldman (Defensive Tackle)
Jordan A. Lucas (Safety)

Cleveland Browns

Drew Forbes (Guard)
Andrew Billings (Defensive Tackle)
Drake Dorbeck (Offensive Tackle)
Colby Gossett (Guard)

Dallas Cowboys

Jamize Olawale (Fullback)
Stephen Guidry (Wide Receiver)
Maurice Canady (Cornerback)

Denver Broncos

Ja’Wuan James (Offensive Tackle)
Kyle Peko (Defensive Tackle)

Detroit Lions

Geronimo Allison (Wide Receiver)
John Atkins (Defensive Tackle)

Green Bay Packers

Devin Funchess (Wide Receiver)

Houston Texans

Eddie Vanderdoes (Defensive Tackle)

Indianapolis Colts

Skai Moore (Linebacker)

Kansas City Chiefs

Damien Williams (Running Back)
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (Guard)

Las Vegas Raiders

D.J. Killings (Cornerback)
Jeremiah Prophecy (Defensive End)
Ukeme Eligwe (Linebacker)

Los Angels Rams

Chandler Brewer (Offensive Tackle)

Jacksonville Jaguars

Lerentee McCray (Defensive End / Linebacker)
Al Woods (Defensive Tackle)

Miami Dolphins

Allen Hurns (Wide Receiver)
Albert Wilson (Wide Receiver)

Minnesota Vikings

Michael Pierce (Defensive Tackle)

New England Patriots

Matt LaCosse (Tight End)
Marqise Lee (Wide Receiver)
Patrick Chung (Safety)
Dont’a Hightower (Linebacker)
Brandon Bolden (Running Back)
Marcus Cannon (Offensive Tackle)
Danny Vitale (Fullback)
Najee Toran (Offensive Lineman)

New Orleans Saints

Cole Wick (Tight End)
Jason Vander Laan (Tight End)

New York Giants

Da’Mari Scott (Wide Receiver)
Nate Solder (Left Tackle)

New York Jets

C.J. Mosley (Linebacker)
Leo Koloamatangi (Offensive Lineman)

Philadelphia Eagles

Marquise Goodwin (Wide Receiver)

San Francisco 49ers

Travis Benjamin (Wide Receiver)

Seattle Seahawks

Chance Warmack (Guard)

Tennessee Titans

Anthony McKinney (Offensive Lineman)

Washington Football Team

Caleb Brantley (Defensive Lineman)
Josh Harvey-Clemons (Linebacker)

Free Agents

Larry Warford (Guard)

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