The NFL won’t mandate vaccines for players attending this year’s draft, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. Although the league is encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations, the league will not bar players, coaches or team personnel from attending if they have not gotten their shots.
Per a memo from the league office, up to 10 fully vaccinated individuals can congregate in the draft room without masks or distancing requirements. Any draft room with non-vaccinated personnel will be capped at a 20-person capacity with protocols in place.
Beyond the draft, Dr. Allen Sills — the NFL’s chief medical officer — plans to encourage prospects and existing players to get vaccines. However, it will not be a must for players in the 2021 season.
This year’s (non-virtual) draft will kick off in Cleveland on Thursday, April 29 and run through Saturday, May 1.
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