This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
On July 9, 2020, the National Football League (NFL) unveiled a set of stringent safety protocols for the upcoming 2020 season, aimed at mitigating the spread of the coronavirus.
According to reports, one of the key measures introduced by the league is a ban on post-game jersey swaps, a tradition where players from opposing teams exchange jerseys as a gesture of respect and sportsmanship.
The new rule, which prohibits players from being within six feet of each other after the game, has been met with skepticism by some NFL players, who see it as an overreaction.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman expressed his frustration on Twitter, saying, 'This is a perfect example of NFL thinking in a nutshell. Players can go engage in a full contact game and do it safely. However, it is deemed unsafe for them to exchange jerseys after said game.'
Other measures introduced by the league include strict body temperature monitoring, with anyone registering a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher being denied entry to stadiums on game days. Players and coaches are also encouraged to wear face coverings on the sideline, although masks are not mandatory.
Game crew and medical staff, however, will be required to wear protective masks. Additionally, home teams will be required to stay at hotels on the night before games and head directly to their stadium, while team arrivals on game day will be staggered and locker and training rooms will be regularly disinfected.
