:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67080195/613192484.jpg.0.jpg)
Members of the Steelers roster have joined forces with the rest of the league in hopes that the NFL figures out a COVID-19 health protocol plan before players are required to attend training camp next week. The NFL and NFLPA have yet to determine any health strategy but yet the league is moving along with its original training camp schedule. It has been reported the NFL has proposed a reduction to only one preseason game.
The #WeWantToPlay blitz sets stage for NFLPA to file a grievance over unsafe working conditions. What happens with rookies upon reporting this week will determine that, but union is prepared to file, I'm told, and that buys players time, before vets report, to figure this all out
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 19, 2020
Rookies will begin reporting to camp, across the league on Tuesday, and as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports, the NFLPA is on the precipice of filing a grievance that could delay when veteran players are expected to report.
NFL players are uniting by using the hashtag #WeWantToPlay across social media, which is a way for players to express they want to be on the field but also so they can express their concerns about playing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Steelers players including Joe Haden, and Vince Williams have share the message across their own platforms.
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) July 19, 2020
With more than 20 million Americans tapping into unemployment benefits, I’m thankful to have my job. However, everyone deserves a safe workplace. #WeWantToPlay
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) July 19, 2020
Steelers safety, Terrell Edmunds took it one step further and shared what he thinks needs to be addressed before players should be at camp.
— Terrell Edmunds (@rell_island6) July 19, 2020
Edmunds highlights the lack of an infectious disease plan, protections to athletes with high risk family members, having a full acclimatization period, the number of preseason games, and the penalty to athletes that don't report to camp. Edmunds also retweeted Texans star player J.J. Watt’s message highlighting even more issues that the players want answers too before training camp.
Once again in the interest of keeping everyone (players & fans) as informed as possible, here is an updated list of what we as players know and don’t know as the first group gets set to report to training camp tomorrow.#WeWantToPlay pic.twitter.com/xQcjs33zgM
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 19, 2020
NFL players just want a safe work environment before the season starts, and they want the league to protect them for punishment if they choose to sit out. With the start of training camp just mere hours away something has to give, and it will have to give quickly, but working out these issues may increase the likelihood of a season actually completing.
I know you guys want to see football this year but we need the NFL to step up and create safer work environments for the players #WeWantToPlay
— Isaiah D. Buggs (@BigPooh_91) July 19, 2020
Whenever news breaks of either a grievance or of health protocols being announced, make sure to log into Behindthesteelcurtain.com for your one-stop shop for everything Steelers.