NFL Opt-Out Deadline is Today

We have seen a string of professional athletes, coaches, and officials make the decision to not participate in their sport this season due to the coronavirus. Health, age, a concern for family and other personal reasons all contributing to their decisions. Now the NFL under the amended collective bargaining agreement with NFL Players Association has a deadline of 3:00 PM CT today for players to notify their respective clubs whether or not they will play or sit out this season.

According to the NFL, among the players who are opting out:

• Baltimore Ravens: KR De'Anthony Thomas, OL Andre Smith
• Buffalo Bills: DT Star Lotulelei, CB E.J. Gaines
• Dallas Cowboys: CB Maurice Canady, WR Stephen Guidry
• Green Bay Packers: WR Devin Funchess
• Houston Texans: DT Eddie Vanderdoes
• Jacksonville Jaguars: EDGE Lerentee McCray
• Kansas City Chiefs: OL Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
• Miami Dolphins: WR Allen Hurns, WR Albert Wilson
• New England Patriots: LB Donta Hightower, FB Dan Vitale, RB Brandon Bolden, OL Najee Toran, WR Marqise Lee
• New York Giants: CB Sam Beal
• Philadelphia Eagles: WR Marquise Goodwin
• San Francisco 49ers: WR Travis Benjamin
• Seattle Seahawks: OL Chance Warmack
• Tennessee Titans: OL Anthony McKinney

There are also a handful of high-risk opt-outs including Minnesota Vikings DT Michael Pierce.