The coronavirus pandemic has ruined plenty of activities around the world. In this challenging time, owners in the sports area will most likely see a significant decrease in earnings.
The NBA had to cut its season short. ESPN reported 31 Major League Baseball players tested positive for the virus. With all of this going on, is safe to say the coronavirus has a major effect on the NFL.
The Potential Effect of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the NFL
Protection of the Teams
Right now, it doesn’t seem like anything is set in stone. There have been talks of a new helmet for players. The new helmet is designed to have a shield for players to reduce the spread of coronavirus. While it isn’t required to use the new helmet, it is suggested.
Protection of the League
Sports Illustrated reported the NFL may require fans to sign a liability waiver. This will protect the leave from any lawsuits that may occur if fans contract coronavirus.
While there have been 72 NFL players diagnosed with the coronavirus, there have been talks to eliminating the preseason games. There are some teams who have already reported fans are not allowed at the games. The Philadelphia Eagles have stated fans are not allowed at the home games. The Green Bay Packers are also in the mix. The Packers are not allowing the fans to attend the training camp or preseason.
For the New Orleans Saints
Sean Payton was among the first employees in the National Football League to be diagnosed with the coronavirus and has since been medically cleared. Saints player, Malcolm Jenkins, has also expressed concern about playing during the pandemic by calling the sport a nonessential business.
The coronavirus may have well put a damper on the Saints season. The Saints are known for thriving on the roaring and rumbling of the audience. Imagine being down by a touchdown on a fourth and two with the defense on the field. That’s usually when teams rely on the support of the team. If there is indeed an NFL season this year, the team will have to keep their own momentum which can serve as a hard task.
