NFL players had until Thursday, Aug. 6, to opt out of the 2020 season and still earn a $150,000 salary and contract rollover into the 2021 season, an offer accepted by 67 players. One week later, several officials have announced their intention to join those 67 players on the sideline.
“NFL game officials can opt out of the 2020 season in exchange for a $30,000 stipend and a guarantee that their jobs will be protected in 2021," according to a preliminary agreement announced Sunday between the league and the NFL Referees Association amid the coronavirus pandemic.