Posted July 28, 2020 by Austin Bumpus14 Comments Football

Which NFL players are opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19?

Some MLB and NBA players aren’t alone in their decisions to step away from their respective games for the 2020 season due to COVID-19, as numerous names across the NFL voiced their concerns and opted out before training camp began.

On July 24, 2020, the snowball began to roll when 29-year-old Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif became the first NFL player to say he won’t be suiting up in 2020.

“I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love,” he wrote on social media. “If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients.”

From there, a multitude of players across a variety of teams decided to sit out the season, as well, with plenty following suit before the deadline officially passed for a decision.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, players considered high risk for COVID-19 can earn $350,000 and an accrued NFL season if they choose to opt out in 2020, while players without risk can earn $150,000.

Some may decide to opt out for medical reasons, both their own or a loved one’s. In some cases, players may sit out voluntarily for salary reasons if they are considered to be on the bubble heading into training camp.

Take a look at the full list of players who decided to opt out, in alphabetical order:

(Last updated: August 13, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. ET)