Adrian Peterson #23, running back of the Arizona Cardinals and Reuben Foster #56, outside linebacker of the San Francisco 49ers pose for a picture after exchanging their jersey after the game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, November 5, 2017. /VCG
To protect players' health in the coming 2020 NFL season, the league came up with a series of precautions against the coronavirus. For example, players were banned from exchanging their jerseys after games. They were also asked to conduct social distancing – to stay away from each other by at least six feet, to be specific.
Players did not like it, especially the first policy. Randall Cobb, wide receiver of the Houston Texans posted: "This has to be a joke..." on Twitter. Richard Sherman, the cornerback of the San Francisco 49ers and vice president of the NFL Players Association, wrote: "This is a perfect example of NFL thinking in a nutshell. Players can go engage in a full-contact game and do it safely. However, it is deemed unsafe for them to exchange jerseys after said game."
"They (are) just making stuff up now, let's address the real issues. Times ticking," tweeted Trai Turner, guard of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Odell Beckham Jr. #13, wide receiver of the New York Giants and Joe Haden #23, cornerback of the Cleveland Browns pose for a picture after swapping jerseys after the game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, November 27, 2016. /VCG
Players' grievance was understandable since jersey swap has been a tradition of American Football, just like it was in football and basketball. Players could meet their college teammates, former teammates, or old friends on the field. Exchanging jerseys can be a perfect way for them to catch up.
Of course, both the league and the NFLPA were just doing their jobs to ensure that players stay safe. The pandemic in the U.S. is still grave. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are already over three million confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country. On Friday alone, the number grew by more than 64,000.
That's why the league and the NFLPA made so many new rules. Besides the prohibition of jersey swaps and the six-foot social distancing, players could only go to the stadium via bus. Everyone on the team sidelines must wear a mask. The NFL season will come later than others, but it cannot afford to be careless.