Tre’Davious White will play this season after debating opt-out

After a few days of public deliberation, Tre’Davious White will play for the Bills this season

The 2019 All-Pro defensive back went back-and-forth on such a decision, even ripping some so-called fans on Twitter who took offense to the debate in the first place. Of course, it’s completely understandable why a player (even one of White’s caliber) would consider sitting out the season given the COVID-19 pandemic.

And despite all of his doubts, and the hate he’s received from some corners of the internet, White will join his teammates Week 1 against the Jets.

White’s choice wasn’t so easy after all, especially given how COVID-19 has impacted those close to him

“At the end of the day, like, no matter what, my family’s gonna come first. No matter what’s going on. Like how big of a season and what’s going on, I’m always gonna put my kids first,” White said. just days ago.

That statement was unfortunately not met with the understanding it should have been, leading to White’s revelation as to why this predicament is so personal to him.

“Crazy that me choosing my family’s wellbeing over a game comes with so called fans attacking and questioning me and saying I’m selfish,” White tweeted at the time. “No, you guys are selfish for thinking that football is bigger than life. Oh by the way my girl’s grandfather passed from COVID. U understand now?”

The deadline for NFL players to inform teams of their decision was 4 p.m. on Thursday. The league will do its best to protect the players this season, but there are no guarantees given they will be traveling across the country and relying on teammates to do the right thing and stay safe. As we’ve seen in MLB, one distraction can lead to a team-wide outbreak.

Hopefully for White, the chance to compete for an AFC East title is worth the risk.