Now that the 2021 NFL Draft is complete, rookies will soon begin reporting for minicamps around the league. Any rookie who wants a COVID-19 vaccine will have the option to get one this offseason, according to the NFL.
In a memo sent to teams on Wednesday, the league informed teams they should offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all rookies.
All NFL teams will transition back to regular season COVID-19 protocols by May 17 or May 14 for clubs holding rookie minicamps on that weekend. Included in those protocols (among other things) are a maximum of 15 players in one weight room no club-organized social gatherings, no in-person media interviews and a maximum of five tryouts/visits per week, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Rookies who do not get the vaccine will be required to get daily COVID testing and cannot participate in group activities while awaiting results, like the rest of the league. Vaccinated players and staff will only be required to test once a week and will not have group activity restrictions.
The Houston Texans drafted five players for their 2021 rookie class: quarterback Davis Mills (Stanford), wide receiver Nico Collins (Michigan), tight end Brevin Jordan (Miami), linebacker Garret Wallow (TCU) and defensive lineman Roy Lopez (Arizona). The new rookie guidelines will also apply to undrafted college free agents.
