Raiders LB Denzel Perryman thinking about getting vaccinated because he doesn't like being an 'outcast'

The COVID-19 protocols the NFL and NFLPA agreed on for the 2021 season give players an incentive to get vaccinated.

Those rules and restrictions have made at least one player reconsider his stance on getting the shots. Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman told reporters that he doesn't enjoy feeling like an outcast in the team's facility because he is unvaccinated. 

"For the record, I am thinking about the vaccination now," Perryman said, according to Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I ain't gonna lie. Too many restrictions going on. Can't even eat with my fellow brothers. I don't like being an outcast."

Unvaccinated players are subject to stricter protocols, including frequent COVID-19 testing and mask-wearing throughout team facilities. Vaccinated players, meanwhile, have more freedom. 

The NFL has also implemented consequences for unvaccinated players who violate health and safety protocols, including a fine of more than $14,000 for violations. Several players have already been fined, including Buffalo Bills wide receivers Cole Beasley and Isaiah McKenzie. 

According to Jabari Young of CNBC, the NFL has 93% of its players and 99% of its league and team staff vaccinated. The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the only two teams in the league with 100% vaccination rates. 

The Raiders acquired Perryman in a deal with the Carolina Panthers earlier this week. In 13 games with the Los Angeles Chargers last season, the 28-year-old recorded one sack, one forced fumble, 48 tackles, three tackles for a loss and two quarterback hits.