COVID-19 face shields recommended, not required, by NFL
By Scott Rogust
The Oakley face shield has been a topic of debate ever since the coronavirus pandemic hit.
The NFL had a head start in preparing for the 2020 season in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, and are basically scrambling to get everything finalized before the start of training camp. Players are looking for security from the league that they’ll be safe from potentially catching COVID-19.
Following the NFL Draft, the league worked alongside Oakley to create a face shield to be worn by players to help prevent the spread of air droplets. While initially expected to be a requirement, the NFL informed players that the shield will only be recommended, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
All 32 teams will have the shields on hand for players to test out during training camp. Additionally, Oakley will work on a second version of the shield, prior to the feedback by the NFL’s athletes.
All 32 clubs will have them on hand for players to test when they report to camp. But again, the expectation is they won’t be required. Meanwhile, the league and Oakley are already working on version 2.0.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 23, 2020
Face shields still up for debate
After the initial blueprints of the shields got released, plenty of high-profile players were pessimistic. One player, in particular, to shoot down the idea was Houston Texans edge rusher J.J. Watt, who said the shields aren’t ideal to wear when playing full speed in the Texas heat. In fact, he was apprehensive about playing this season if the shields were mandatory.
Given the physical and close-contact nature of the sport, playing during a viral pandemic isn’t ideal. Hence why the players want effective and frequent COVID-19 testing to prevent bringing it home to their families. The NFL Players Association won earlier this week after the league agreed to safety protocols and effectively canceled all preseason games.
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Given that the Texans and Kansas City Chiefs open up training camps on Sunday, we should get our first official reviews on the COVID face shields by then.