Despite reports, NFL new league year set to start on the 18th, as planned

Throughout the global threat of COVID-19, the coronavirus, professional sports leagues have been in the cross hairs of media wondering what they will do.

Will they suspend play?

Cancel the season?

What about the NFL which is currently in their offseason, and doesn’t have to completely alter the entire course of the year?

Despite early reports stating the league was planning on pushing back the new league year, scheduled for March 18th, now Adam Schefter of ESPN is suggesting the league year will go on as planned:

As has been discussed on multiple platforms, the NFL keeping their plan in place, which minor alterations, certainly isn’t putting anyone at harm.

The league, along with the NCAA, cancelled all remaining Pro Days, they have decided teams won’t have 30 pre-draft visits in person, teams can still speak with players via teleconference, and the NFL Draft could take place without anyone being anywhere near Las Vegas.

All of this makes sense at a deeper level too. While the NHL, NBA, PGA Tour and MLB have suspended play, the NFL can be the lone professional sports league dominating the news as they march forward towards the 2020 regular season.

Some might call this unnecessary and irrational with the current global climate, but I doubt the NFL, which never passes a chance to steal the spotlight, sees it that way. They will see it as an opportunity to continue their goal to make global news and their overall reach.

Things could change, so stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare for NFL Free Agency, the 2020 NFL Draft and of course the start of the regular season.