As part of last year’s Covid-19 protocols, the NFL gave players an opportunity to opt out of the 2020 season over concerns about the virus. A total of 67 decided to take advantage, including a league-high eight members of the New England Patriots.
Whether or not the Patriots will again lead the league in Covid-19 opt-outs this year remains to be seen, but they will know about their players’ intentions quite soon. According to a report by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, players have until 4 pm ET next Friday, July 2, to inform their teams if they want to opt out of the upcoming 2021 campaign.