NFL sets offseason workout schedule amid backlash from several teams

Joe Rutter, The Tribune-Review, Greensburg
·2 min read

Apr. 14—With an increasing number of NFL teams deciding to boycott voluntary workouts because of covid-19, the NFL announced its offseason schedule Wednesday that includes on-field organized team activities.

The offseason workout program for the 32 NFL teams is set to begin Monday and is nine weeks in length. It includes an initial phase that lasts four weeks and consists of virtual meetings and weight room training. The second phase, from May 17-21, consists of limited no-contact on-field work with coaches.

The third phase, lasting from May 24-June 18, reintroduces OTAs over a three-week span followed by a mandatory minicamp in the fourth week. These workouts were eliminated in 2020 because of the pandemic, and the NFL Players' Association wants all offseason work this season to continue this spring on a virtual basis.

The Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Tuesday that they are "exercising their right" under the collective bargaining agreement to not attend the voluntary workouts. The Detroit Lions and New England Patriots joined that group Wednesday.

Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who is the Pittsburgh Steelers' rep for the players' union, wrote on Twitter last week that he is opposed to in-person offseason workouts.

Wrote Heyward: "I get training which we all did last year virtually but why the rush to jump to in-person meetings and workouts when 1. Less injuries occurred across the league 2. No plan to mitigate or control while WE are still in a pandemic. Work should continue to work virtually & craft as we still do not have all answers. If ALL teams can't have the same safe guidelines why would you argue against it.

"Trust me everyone we will still get your games but why risk it??? Don't you want your star players ready for week 1? If he can throw in the backyard he will throw on Sundays too."

Joe Rutter is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joe by email at jrutter@triblive.com or via Twitter .