At Least 67 Players Have Opted Out of the 2020 NFL Season

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Sixty-seven players so far have chosen to opt out of the 2020 NFL season due to COVID-19 concerns. The New England Patriots has the highest amount of players forgoing their spots in the team, with eight of their players opting out, followed by the Cleveland Browns with five. According to CBS Sports, players can opt out after the Aug. 6 NFL-imposed deadline only if "a close family member gets seriously sick with COVID or if they themselves are newly diagnosed with a high-risk condition."» data-reactid=»19″>Sixty-seven players so far have chosen to opt out of the 2020 NFL season due to COVID-19 concerns. The New England Patriots has the highest amount of players forgoing their spots in the team, with eight of their players opting out, followed by the Cleveland Browns with five. According to CBS Sports, players can opt out after the Aug. 6 NFL-imposed deadline only if «a close family member gets seriously sick with COVID or if they themselves are newly diagnosed with a high-risk condition.»

The first player to announce his decision was Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. The Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman has a doctorate in medicine and helped out on the front lines of the pandemic at a longterm care facility in Quebec near his hometown.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content=""Being at the frontline during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system," Duvernay-Tardif shared on Instagram on July 24. "I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients."» data-reactid=»21″>»Being at the frontline during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system,» Duvernay-Tardif shared on Instagram on July 24. «I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients.»

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Other players cited concerns over the health of their loved ones. The Dallas Cowboys’ Maurice Canady simply wrote on Twitter, "Family first money second."» data-reactid=»22″>Other players cited concerns over the health of their loved ones. The Dallas Cowboys’ Maurice Canady simply wrote on Twitter, «Family first money second.»

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Keep reading for the full list of NFL player opt outs as of the deadline, according to ESPN and CBS Sports.» data-reactid=»27″>Keep reading for the full list of NFL player opt outs as of the deadline, according to ESPN and CBS Sports.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Related: From Soccer to the NBA, Here’s When Major US Sports Leagues Are Planning to Return » data-reactid=»28″>Related: From Soccer to the NBA, Here’s When Major US Sports Leagues Are Planning to Return

NFL Player Opt-Out List For the 2020 Season

49ers

Travis Benjamin, wide receiver
Shon Coleman, offensive tackle
Jake Brendel, center

Bears

Eddie Goldman, defensive tackle
Jordan Lucas, safety

Bengals

Isaiah Prince, offensive tackle
Josh Tupou, defensive tackle

Bills

E.J. Gaines, cornerback
Star Lotulelei, defensive tackle

Broncos

Ja’Wuan James, offensive tackle
Kyle Peko, defensive tackle

Browns

Andrew Billings, defensive tackle
Drake Dorbeck, offensive tackle
Drew Forbes, guard
Colby Gossett, guard
Malcolm Pridgeon, guard

Buccaneers

Brad Seaton, offensive tackle

Cardinals

Marcus Gilbert, offensive tackle

Chiefs

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, guard
Lucas Niang, offensive tackle
Damien Williams, running back

Colts

Rolan Milligan, safety
Skai Moore, linebacker
Marvell Tell, safety

Cowboys

Maurice Canady, cornerback
Stephen Guidry, wide receiver
Jamize Olawale, fullback

Dolphins

Allen Hurns, wide receiver
Albert Wilson, wide receiver

Eagles

Marquise Goodwin, wide receiver

Giants

Sam Beal, cornerback
Da’Mari Scott, wide receiver
Nate Solder, offensive tackle

Jaguars

Lerentee McCray, linebacker
Rashaan Melvin, cornerback
Al Woods, defensive tackle

Jets

Josh Doctson, wide receiver
Leo Koloamatangi, offensive lineman
C.J. Mosley, linebacker

Lions

Geronimo Allison, wide receiver
John Atkins, defensive tackle
Russell Bodine, center

Packers

Devin Funchess, wide receiver

Panthers

Jordan Mack, linebacker
Christian Miller, linebacker

Patriots

Brandon Bolden, running back
Marcus Cannon, offensive tackle
Patrick Chung, safety
Dont’a Hightower, linebacker
Matt LaCosse, tight end
Marqise Lee, wide receiver
Najee Toran, offensive lineman
Danny Vitale, fullback

Raiders

Ukeme Eligwe, linebacker
D.J. Killings, cornerback
Jeremiah Valoaga, defensive end

Rams

Chandler Brewer, offensive tackle

Ravens

Andre Smith, offensive tackle
De’Anthony Thomas, wide receiver

Saints

Jason Vander Laan, tight end
Cole Wick, tight end

Seahawks

Chance Warmack, guard

Texans

Eddie Vanderdoes, defensive tackle

Titans

Anthony McKinney, offensive tackle

Vikings

Michael Pierce, defensive tackle

Washington Football Team

Caleb Brantley, defensive tackle
Josh Harvey-Clemons, linebacker

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="The NFL season is scheduled to begin on Sept. 10.» data-reactid=»167″>The NFL season is scheduled to begin on Sept. 10.