Category Archives: NFL

Another piece of the 2020 NFL season has just been removed

Over the weekend, a number of football players took to Twitter to voice their concerns over what they viewed as a lack of action on the part of the NFL to implement policies to protect them from the coronavirus. Frustrations have been mounting because training camps are set to get underway as early as this week, and there has yet to be a solid COVID-19 policy put in place. The players wanted the public to know that, should they collectively decide to sit out of the regular season, blame could squarely be placed on the shoulders of league brass. Seemingly in response to the outcry, the NFL has made a little progress, but not necessarily in a way football fans would want to see. There’s a possibility that there will now be no preseason games as the league tries to figure out how to proceed.

First, the Hall of Fame game was canceled. Then, the number of preseason games for each team was cut from four to two. That was at the beginning of this month and, although the league has had ample time to react to the coronavirus pandemic, it appears to still be dragging its feet. This is despite the fact that it brought in a handful of doctors to establish protocols for players – suggestions the NFL has still been reluctant to implement. 

Players had suggested eliminating all preseason games, but the league didn’t want to accept the change. It countered with a one-game possibility, which has been rejected by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The union made it clear yesterday when it met with league personnel that there was no way preseason games could be held, and the NFL was forced to respond.

Per the NFL collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the league can mandate the number of preseason games and could have forced the issue with players. However, it would have been a losing battle – players would have simply gone on strike. As a result, and to save face, the NFL “proactively” made the decision to call off all preseason games. 

JJ Watt leads players protest against lack of medical protocols in NFL

With the return of the National Football League, NFL players have been using the hashtag #WeWantToPlay over the weekend to explain why they are frustrated with some medical protocols not being in place. They don’t feel safe, and they’re letting the fans know. The blow-up is already huge but may yet see huge problems envelop the return of one of the biggest sportsbetting events of the year.

It’s clear that players are angry, and Watt’s Twitter status on Sunday night showed as much in an extremely frank way.

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, 2020https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Players launch strategic attack against NFL as season approaches

The NFL hopes to get the regular season started on September 10, a goal it has had for the past several months. The only way that can happen, per NFL regulations, is for training camps to start no later than July 28 – just barely a week from now. However, despite the impending deadline, the league still has not informed players and teams how it plans on protecting everyone amid the coronavirus pandemic, and concerns about the NFL being able to adhere to its schedule are mounting. In order to let the league know how they feel, a number of players launched a coordinated verbal “attack” on the NFL yesterday on Twitter, hoping to force the league into action.

The tweets, most of which were accompanied by the hashtag “#WeWantToPlay,” were designed to stress upon NFL leaders the necessity of providing guidelines expeditiously or risk a halt to pro football. According to ESPN, the idea started with Bryon Jones of the Miami Dolphins, who suggested during a player call that everyone start tweeting their frustration. Among those who participated were Dree Brees of the New Orleans Saints, Todd Gurley II of the Atlanta Falcons, Myles Garrett and Jarvice Juice Landry of the Cleveland Browns, and others.

The idea was to put pressure on the league’s leaders, as well as to show the general public that any delay or cancelation would be strictly because of the NFL’s inaction. Brees said in his tweet, “We need Football! We need sports! We need hope! The NFL’s unwillingness to follow the recommendations of their own medical experts will prevent that…” Garrett added, “If the NFL doesn’t do their part to keep players healthy there is no football in 2020. It’s that simple.”

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) president, JC Tretter, explained in one of his tweets after the campaign began, “What you are seeing today is our guys standing up for each other and for the work their union leadership has done to keep everyone as safe as possible. The NFL needs to listen to our union and adopt the experts’ recommendations #wewanttoplay.”

Dan Snyder faces a ‘harder reckoning’: Washington Redskins odds

A clear pattern is starting to build with Washington’s football team: If you want any serious change with the organization, you need a massive backlash to the franchise’s behavior. First there was years of pressure to change the team’s name. Now, a focus on an alleged history of sexual misbehavior in the back office. And if neither of those are enough to get you upset, there’s a growing history of just not being good at football.

[Image credit: Wikimedia Commons]

Sexual Harassment Allegations and Fallout

The bombshell scandal that revealed itself on Thursday revealed Dan Snyder’s football organization turned a blind eye to years of sexual harassment, alleged by 15 female employees, from top figures in the organization. While Snyder himself wasn’t implicated, that he somehow didn’t know any of this was happening is just as bad.

Dan Snyder ousted by scandal? Updated Washington Redskins name odds

Big news appears to be on the way for Dan Snyder and his Washington Football Team. As sports bettors have given a firm vote of confidence to what they think the team’s new name will be, rumors are starting to swirl that a huge expose is on the way that will rock the organization to its foundations.

Dan Snyder started to trend on Twitter on Thursday morning, and those deep into the team’s gossip have some suspicion as to why. Rumors have it that the Washington Post is working on a piece that will expose a huge scandal that could force Snyder into selling the team:

Anybody wanna buy a football team? Dan Snyder pic.twitter.com/4tJzbv6NAL

— Biracial Brother (@Jonesdc) July 16, 2020https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Broncos, BetMGM Agree To Multi-Year Sports Betting Partnership

image: .sanden.

The Denver Broncos and BetMGM, a market-leading sports betting and gaming platform from ROAR Digital, LLC – the joint venture between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and GVC Holdings (LSE: GVC), announced today that they have entered into a multi-year agreement.

As an official sports betting partner of the Broncos, BetMGM and MGM Resorts will provide premium fan experiences, including a new BetMGM Lounge at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, VIP travel packages, and benefits through MGM Resorts’ loyalty program, M life Rewards. The strategic partnership also includes a free-to-play mobile game, digital marketing assets, and in-stadium promotions and signage.

“This partnership with the Broncos allows us to showcase not only a premier BetMGM sports betting and gaming platform, but also the world-class entertainment experiences delivered by MGM Resorts,” said BetMGM’s Chief Marketing Officer Matt Prevost. “We’re excited to bring both of these to Broncos fans at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium and across the country, while offering BetMGM users new ways to engage with their favorite football team.”

The BetMGM Lounge, located on the Level 1 concourse adjacent to Gate 4 and outside Section 111/112, will allow fans 21 years of age and older access to a full-service premium bar, a luxury lounge, live odds and assistance with BetMGM’s mobile app. Additional in-stadium promotions, highlighted by BetMGM’s season-long First Possession Payoff, will be announced at a later date.

The free-to-play game will be available to Broncos fans directly on The Bronco’s official mobile app. The game will offer eligible fans the opportunity to test their sports prediction skills and win MGM Resorts prizes, including trips to MGM Resorts properties nationwide.

Denver Broncos Chief Commercial Officer Mac Freeman said, “When we began the process of identifying potential partners in this category, our goal was to provide Broncos fans with unique ways to engage with sports betting. Together with BetMGM, we can now offer our fans and M life Rewards members in Colorado new opportunities such as in-stadium gaming lounge, VIP travel packages to MGM Resorts around the country and a free-to-play game through our mobile app.”

BetMGM recently launched in Colorado in partnership with the Midnight Rose Hotel and Casino. The BetMGM mobile app is available for download in Colorado on both iOS and Android. New customers to the BetMGM Colorado app will receive $100 in free bonus credit when placing a first bet of $10 or more on any Denver Broncos Game or Broncos future wager using bonus code BRONCOS at registration. For more information, follow @BetMGM on Twitter.

Washington Redskins name odds: Warriors, Red Tails and Red Clouds favorites

After 87 years of using the name, the Washington Redskins have finally gone ahead with the decision to drop their problematic team name and go with something new. News of the name change broke on July 13 after an internal review was conducted by the team (and years of protest from U.S. tribal activists), and the sports books are already taking wagers on what the new team name will be. Thanks to Bodog, we have a look at some of the more likely candidates.

The leading favorites, odds wise, are either the Washington Red Tails Or Washington Red Clouds, both currently sitting at +275. Both of these names would likely keep something close to the team’s color scheme, and each in their way would honor a piece of history. The Red Tails name was one of the nicknames for the Tuskegee Airmen, fighter pilots of World War 2, while Red Cloud was a Native American warrior who defeated U.S. army troops and burned down their forts. These are easy favorites, specially as the Red Tails won a rebrand contest and has the support of local legislators.

But if the public had much of a say in the matter, the Redskins name would have gone away years ago. So what does Dan Snyder Want? The next leading favorite in the odds are the Washington Warriors at +300. Snyder has previously tried to trademark the name, but couldn’t seal the deal.

Next in the odds are the Washington Presidents at +700, but it feels like a pretty unlikely name. The name brings plenty of potential gimmicks and some proud nostalgia to lean on, sure, but think of all the jokes they would invite. ‘He couldn’t make the catch, his hands were too small!’ or ‘He’s listed as questionable for the game with bone spurs.’ Not a fan.

Could D.K. Metcalf and the Seattle Seahawks shock the NFL?

The Seattle Seahawks won their only Super Bowl Championship back in 2014, defeating the Denver Broncos 43–8 on February 2nd. Could they win their second seven years on from that famously one-sided victory?

Before we talk about how they might repeat that trick, let’s take a look back at that glorious moment in The ‘Hawks history.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-byJvHAXQA?feature=oembed]

This season, there is tentative optimism about The Seahawks hopes, with the team a best price of 10/13 to make the play-offs, as well as being 10/11 to gain over nine regular season wins. Somehow, despite that confidence in the betting markets that The Seahawks will make the post-season, the 2014 Lombardi Cup winners are a best price of 22/1 to repeat the feat in early 2021.

Will Dak Prescott dig in his spikes over Cowboys contract?

Dak Prescott is fourth favourite to be regular MVP of the 2020 NFL at 16/1 and a lot shorter to throw the most passing yards at a very attractive 13/2. He’s also the Dallas Cowboy contract rebel who might scupper their plans for a record-breaking NFL season.

The Dallas Cowboys are in with a real chance of winning Super Bowl 55, nestled into the betting market at 20/1 and with coach Mike McCarthy second favourite at 14/1 to win the NFL Coach of the Year award at the season’s close, it’s clear that the Cowboys have a lot going for them.

So why is Dak Prescott stalling on a contract offer?

The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of history and a bright future, but they have also existed in a recent period of change initiated by tough and some say uncompromising owner Jerry Jones. With recent coach Jason Garrett let go after 10 seasons at the club, their new manager McCarthy brings with him plenty of nous that is likely to help them come the season’s start.

NFL players tell the league to pound sand after escrow proposal

At this rate, the NFL might be called for intentional grounding. The league is close to raising the anger level of players to the point that a season might never happen, and team owners need to realize that they’re starting to slip on the same slope that cost MLB a big part of its reputation. According to rumors that are beginning to circulate in the sports world, NFL wants players to agree to essentially put part of their salary in escrow (although it wouldn’t physically happen that way) in order to counter the impact caused by the coronavirus, and the players union has told the league to pound sand.

The league has suggested that players allow 35% of their 2020 salaries to be put aside to help the league recover costs that have mounted because of COVID-19. However, that 35% wouldn’t be dissected and placed in an escrow account to be released later. Instead, the league is putting lipstick on a pig and doesn’t want to acknowledge that it may not be able to cover all its expenses this year. With the possibility of games being played in front of empty stadiums looming, many teams are concerned they won’t generate the revenue that would have partly gone to cover the players’ pay.

MLB already showed what happens when teams try to mess with players’ salaries, but NFL owners apparently weren’t paying attention. The news hasn’t sat well with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), which held a conference call with players to break the news. According to NFLPA executive Don Davis, the union’s response to the league was for it to “kick rocks.”

The NFL should have remained quiet and figured out some other way to cover any damages caused by the coronavirus. Players won’t stand for losing any of their salary, especially as owners continue to “fly in their private jets and sit in their private sky boxes,” as one insider put it. Since the conference call was held and the news began rolling out to everyone, several players have already come forward and said that the entire league is ready to sit out if the owners stand their grounds and try to force their “escrow” deal on them.

The Kansas City Chiefs reward QB for ending 50-year Super Bowl drought

In what is being called the largest contract deal in the history of the NFL, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs just scored a massive payday. The quarterback led the Chiefs to the team’s first Super Bowl win in more than half a decade, and the team’s back office wanted Mahomes to know how much they appreciated his efforts. The 24-year-old passing phenom has sealed a ten-year contract extension with the Chiefs two years before his current contract was to expire. It’s also worth a total of $503 million, between base and incentives.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter found out about the deal and posted it on Twitter, stating, “Chiefs and QB Patrick Mahomes have reached agreement on a 10-year — 10-year! — contract extension that ties him to Kansas City through the 2031 season, league sources tell ESPN.” He added, “Starting in 2022, and for 10 years running, Patrick Mahomes has a $1.25 million incentive for winning AFC Championship game and a $1.25 million incentive for winning NFL MVP, per source. That’s $25M of incentives over 10 years, taking value of his deal from $477M to $503M.”

Signing a player for ten years is unheard of in any sports league. However, Mahomes isn’t just another athlete. He’s an MVP, a Super Bowl MVP, Bert Bell Award winner, two-time All-Pro player and the holder of the Sammy Baugh Trophy. Across the last two seasons, playing a total of 30 games, he has thrown 76 touchdowns and only 17 interceptions. That puts him up there with the ranks of Tom Brady when he first entered the league and, at 24, Mahomes has a lot of life left in him (Brady is now 42 and is still going strong with his recent transfer to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). 

There’s little doubt that Mahomes can turn any offensive line into a winning group, but he’s going to be comfortable with what’s coming in the upcoming season. The Chiefs are reportedly bringing back 20 of the 22 starters from the Super Bowl roster, and it is suddenly clear that the team could be looking at another solid run on the Lombardi Trophy this year. Of course, all of it depends on whether or not the coronavirus forces the NFL to alter its plans. 

Washington Redskins owner surprised as partners look to dump shares

The current atmosphere in the U.S. regarding social equality is reaching all corners of all industries. It has caused a resurgence of demand for one NFL team, the Washington Redskins, to change its name from one that is “offensive” to native Indians to something more innocuous. Although the team’s majority owner, Dan Snyder, has asserted that the name that has endured for almost eight decades won’t change anytime soon, his hand may now be forced. Snyder began to receive additional pressure last week from corporate entities with which the team does business and, while that certainly has had an impact, the fact that all of the team’s minority owners are looking to bail may have served as the ultimate wakeup call for Snyder. 

According to a report by The Washington Post, Robert Rothman, Dwight Schar and Frederick W. Smith have begun shopping around for someone to buy their ownership shares. They have brought in an investment banking firm to help find potential candidates and, according to a source close to the action, the reason squarely sits on Snyder’s shoulders. One source said that the trio is “not happy being a partner” of the majority owner anymore. 

It was believed that Snyder would at least be able to keep Smith in his corner. Smith is the CEO of FedEx, which is a major corporate partner of the Redskins. Just over a decade ago, the two entities signed a $205-million deal for naming rights for the stadium that became known as FedEx Field, and which was put in place for 27 years. However, it now appears that Smith is willing to jeopardize the relationship if Snyder doesn’t agree to a name change for the team. 

Someone close to the deal said that Snyder was caught off guard by the sudden decision of the shareholders to dump their combined 40%. The individual told John Keim of ESPN that Snyder had considered the three to be close friends, and never expected them to step away from the relationship. However, Snyder is now learning – the hard way – that friendship only goes so far when it comes to business decisions. 

Is the NFL slipping toward a non-season?

Being an avid football fan, no one wants to see the NFL keep its promise of holding the 2020-21 season as planned more than me. However, no one can face the current global coronavirus pandemic with blinders on, and recent actions by the league are becoming a little worrisome. The Hall of Fame Game, which should have taken place on August 6, has already been pushed back almost an entire year, and the number of preseason games to be played has now been cut – and might be eliminated entirely. In addition, the start of the preseason will be delayed, and one can’t help but wonder if the changes are precursors to an eventual delay or cancelation of the season. At this point, football fans should remain optimistic, but keep in the back of their minds the thought that something wicked may be coming.

According to several sources, the NFL has decided to eliminate two weeks of preseason action, erasing the games that would have taken place in Week 1 and Week 4. In addition, there is talk that the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) may suggest something different and could look to have the entire preseason canceled. No definitive response has yet been given, but it’s apparent that some sort of change is coming.

The league is being forced to make additional changes as teams haven’t been able to spend the time on the field practicing as would normally be needed. By eliminating the two weeks, and delaying the start of the games, teams can get players suited up and on the field, running drills and plays in preparation for the regular season. So far, September 10 is still the tentative launch date for the NFL games.

Brandon McManus, kicker for the Denver Broncos and the team’s union rep, seems to know something the rest of us don’t. He tweeted yesterday, “Be ready for 1 or 0 preseason games. Won’t be 2.” Football fans hope he’s wrong.

Is the NFL slipping toward a non-season?

Being an avid football fan, no one wants to see the NFL keep its promise of holding the 2020-21 season as planned more than me. However, no one can face the current global coronavirus pandemic with blinders on, and recent actions by the league are becoming a little worrisome. The Hall of Fame Game, which should have taken place on August 6, has already been pushed back almost an entire year, and the number of preseason games to be played has now been cut – and might be eliminated entirely. In addition, the start of the preseason will be delayed, and one can’t help but wonder if the changes are precursors to an eventual delay or cancelation of the season. At this point, football fans should remain optimistic, but keep in the back of their minds the thought that something wicked may be coming.

According to several sources, the NFL has decided to eliminate two weeks of preseason action, erasing the games that would have taken place in Week 1 and Week 4. In addition, there is talk that the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) may suggest something different and could look to have the entire preseason canceled. No definitive response has yet been given, but it’s apparent that some sort of change is coming.

The league is being forced to make additional changes as teams haven’t been able to spend the time on the field practicing as would normally be needed. By eliminating the two weeks, and delaying the start of the games, teams can get players suited up and on the field, running drills and plays in preparation for the regular season. So far, September 10 is still the tentative launch date for the NFL games.

Brandon McManus, kicker for the Denver Broncos and the team’s union rep, seems to know something the rest of us don’t. He tweeted yesterday, “Be ready for 1 or 0 preseason games. Won’t be 2.” Football fans hope he’s wrong.

Is the NFL slipping toward a non-season?

Being an avid football fan, no one wants to see the NFL keep its promise of holding the 2020-21 season as planned more than me. However, no one can face the current global coronavirus pandemic with blinders on, and recent actions by the league are becoming a little worrisome. The Hall of Fame Game, which should have taken place on August 6, has already been pushed back almost an entire year, and the number of preseason games to be played has now been cut – and might be eliminated entirely. In addition, the start of the preseason will be delayed, and one can’t help but wonder if the changes are precursors to an eventual delay or cancelation of the season. At this point, football fans should remain optimistic, but keep in the back of their minds the thought that something wicked may be coming.

According to several sources, the NFL has decided to eliminate two weeks of preseason action, erasing the games that would have taken place in Week 1 and Week 4. In addition, there is talk that the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) may suggest something different and could look to have the entire preseason canceled. No definitive response has yet been given, but it’s apparent that some sort of change is coming.

The league is being forced to make additional changes as teams haven’t been able to spend the time on the field practicing as would normally be needed. By eliminating the two weeks, and delaying the start of the games, teams can get players suited up and on the field, running drills and plays in preparation for the regular season. So far, September 10 is still the tentative launch date for the NFL games.

Brandon McManus, kicker for the Denver Broncos and the team’s union rep, seems to know something the rest of us don’t. He tweeted yesterday, “Be ready for 1 or 0 preseason games. Won’t be 2.” Football fans hope he’s wrong.

Will Cam Newton keep the good times rolling for the Patriots?

In one of the most dramatic pre-season signings, former NFL Draft first pick Cam Newton has signed for the New England Patriots, according to the New York Times.

The New England Patriots have always been a team of great drama in the NFL, with recent legacy-making victories in the Super Bowl courtesy of Tom Brady adding to the allure of a truly unique team. Brady himself might have left for the Tampa Bay Buccaeners, but the Patriots are sure that they still have star-attracting quality. To add to that boast, they have signed former NFL Draft first pick Cam Newton.

Newton, who had previously spent his football career with Carolina Panthers, won Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year back in 2015. At 6’ 5”, he’s a presence, and has a great completion percentage of 59% , throwing a total of just under 30,000 yards.

How does Newton’s arrival affect the prices for the Patriots forthcoming season? The recent NFL Super Bowl winners are 1/2 to make the post-season, with Cam Newton a best price 66/1 to be the regular season MVP. He’s as short as 25/1 in some places, though, so move quickly if that’s your market. Newton is the market favourite to be the Comeback Player of the Year at 5/1. The ‘split’ for the New England Patriots to win regular season games is 9, which is available over or under at 10/11. It’s a marginal fold in our opinion.

Will Cam Newton keep the good times rolling for the Patriots?

In one of the most dramatic pre-season signings, former NFL Draft first pick Cam Newton has signed for the New England Patriots, according to the New York Times.

The New England Patriots have always been a team of great drama in the NFL, with recent legacy-making victories in the Super Bowl courtesy of Tom Brady adding to the allure of a truly unique team. Brady himself might have left for the Tampa Bay Buccaeners, but the Patriots are sure that they still have star-attracting quality. To add to that boast, they have signed former NFL Draft first pick Cam Newton.

Newton, who had previously spent his football career with Carolina Panthers, won Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year back in 2015. At 6’ 5”, he’s a presence, and has a great completion percentage of 59% , throwing a total of just under 30,000 yards.

How does Newton’s arrival affect the prices for the Patriots forthcoming season? The recent NFL Super Bowl winners are 1/2 to make the post-season, with Cam Newton a best price 66/1 to be the regular season MVP. He’s as short as 25/1 in some places, though, so move quickly if that’s your market. Newton is the market favourite to be the Comeback Player of the Year at 5/1. The ‘split’ for the New England Patriots to win regular season games is 9, which is available over or under at 10/11. It’s a marginal fold in our opinion.

New England Patriots have good news and bad news

During last year’s NFL season, fans watching a game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns saw an unusual and confusing sight. In the Bengals’ press box, there appeared to be some extra bodies that normally shouldn’t be there. It turns out, the individuals were part of a TV team that provides coverage for the New England Patriots, and the fact that they were there filming the contest didn’t sit well with the league or fans. The Pats have now been handed down fresh penalties as a result of the team’s willingness to cheat.

The NFL, which has its hands full determining how to proceed with the upcoming season in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, last week took some time away from everything it has going on to discuss what to do to the Pats. It decided that the team needs to pay $1.1 million in fines, and forego a third-round draft pick in next year’s NFL Draft. In addition, the team’s TV crew won’t be permitted to cover any games for the 2020-21 season.

The Pats have a history of trying to see how far it can bend the rules and head coach Bill Belichick hasn’t been afraid to twist them completely into a pretzel. In 2007, the coach received a fine of $500,000 and the team one of $250,000 for what became known as Spygate. At the time, the Pats had reportedly videotaped defensive coaches for the New York Jets in one of the team’s earlier attempts to get an edge on the competition. While recording opponents’ activity lies somewhere in a grey area in NFL rules, the action is allowed under certain conditions. The NFL determined that the conditions hadn’t been met, and also withdrew the team’s first-round draft pick in the 2008 draft.

Then there was the time during the 2014 AFC Championship Game that then-quarterback Tom Brady purposely deflated footballs. That would go on to become known as Deflategate, and the Pats were fined $1 million and lost two draft picks in 2016 as a result. Brady, for his role, was suspended four games. 

Hall of Fame game becomes first coronavirus casualty of the NFL season

The NFL season is approaching, and sports fans are getting ready for the action. The league has been working on its plan of attack, putting together policies and procedures for training camps and the upcoming season. The schedule for preseason and regular-season games has been posted and, as of yesterday, everything was on track for the traditional start to the season, the Hall of Fame game, to be held on August 6. What a difference a day makes, though, as the game has now been canceled. The coronavirus claims its first football season victim, but it may not be the last.

Late yesterday, the NFL officially canceled the Hall of Fame game and put off the 2020 induction ceremonies. COVID-19 can be blamed for the changes, which will see both activities remain off the schedule until next year. The Hall of Fame game, scheduled to be played between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers, will now be played on August 5, 2021. The induction ceremony will be held two days later, and the 2021 inductees entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame the following day.

According to the Hall of Fame’s CEO, David Baker, delaying the induction ceremony wasn’t an easy decision to make, but it was necessary. He said in a statement, “This is the right decision for several reasons, first and foremost the health and welfare of our Gold Jackets, incoming centennial class of 2020 members, hall personnel and event volunteers. We also must consider the most appropriate way to fulfill the first tenet of our mission: To honor the heroes of the game. This decision meets that duty.”

Among the latest inductees are former New York Giants executive George Young, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, NFL Films co-founder Steve Sabol and former coaches Bill Cowher and Jimmy Johnson. In addition, several former players, including Edgerrin James, Isaac Bruce, Steve Atwater, Steve Hutchinson and Troy Polamalu, were to be enshrined.

NFL teams prepare for a shift in how football is

Barring any major coronavirus relapses, which could be possible after recent spikes have been seen across the U.S., sports fans are going to have a lot to look forward to in the last half of 2020. The NBA and the NHL already had plans in place to finish out their seasons, and MLB, after embarrassing delays, has just now been able to figure out how to proceed. The last component among the top sports organizations in the U.S. is the NFL, which continues to shape the upcoming season. The league and the players association have been in almost constant contact, and have come up with new strategies for the upcoming season.

NFL training camps are going to start on July 28, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He adds, “The NFL and NFLPA are still negotiating what camp will look like and how the protocols will be handled and everything else. But players will arrive on time.” Typically, rookies would be the first to report to the camps but, because of the situation, all players are expected to report.

So there is a date to report: July 28. The NFL and NFLPA are still negotiating what camp will look like and how the protocols will be handled and everything else. But players will arrive on time. https://t.co/BLrbUQnRXx

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 24, 2020https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js