Hopkins, Ramsey among players criticizing NFL's latest vaccine push
Warning: Tweet contains coarse language
The NFL once again updated its vaccination rules Thursday, announcing any game that can't be rescheduled due to a COVID-19 outbreak among unvaccinated players will result in the responsible club forfeiting the contest.
That announcement immediately drew reactions from several players across the NFL, but the most emphatic response came from DeAndre Hopkins.
The Arizona Cardinals' star wide receiver stated in a since-deleted tweet that the NFL's latest update is making him question his future in the league.
Hopkins shared a cryptic post soon after deleting his initial tweet.
Freedom?
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) July 22, 2021
However, in a third tweet, he seemingly suggested he doesn't intend to call a premature end to his playing days despite his reservations.
Btw I got about 9 more years in me, y’all have a good day 😎
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) July 22, 2021
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey said he doesn't agree with the idea of "pressuring" players to get vaccinated.
Some of y’all clearly didn’t get what I’m saying here lol.. the NFL is pressuring/ “influencing” guys to get the vaccine. They are saying if there is an outbreak, the team will be penalized heavily. My point is no teammate of mine will feel that pressure from me because… https://t.co/odRnl7xUUZ
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) July 22, 2021
Just because my teammate(s) personally decide not to get the vaccine, I won’t think they are a bad teammate. That’s all 😂
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) July 22, 2021
It’s all love 🤟🏾
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette tweeted that he was against the COVID-19 vaccine in a post that was deleted moments later.
Add #Bucs RB Leonard Fournette to the list of players against getting the COVID-19 vaccine. pic.twitter.com/1IqlksESap
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 22, 2021
New England Patriots pass-rusher Matt Judon and Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs also publicly reacted to the protocol changes.
The NFLPA Fucking sucks
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) July 22, 2021
accountability … availability
— DIGGS (@stefondiggs) July 22, 2021
The deadline for players to opt out of the 2021 NFL campaign passed on July 2 without any players deciding to sit out. Over 60 players opted out of last season.
The league and players' association have eased rules for vaccinated individuals. Changes to their COVID-19 protocols include eliminating daily testing and quarantine following exposure to the virus.