New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley opted out of the 2020-21 season due to COVID concerns. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com, North Jersey Record via Imagn Content Services, LLC

NFL players have until July 2 to opt out due to COVID-19

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/23/21

Even though COVID-19 vaccine shots are available to adults throughout the United States at the start of summer, the NFL is allowing players to opt out for the second consecutive season due to reasons linked with the pandemic.

However, things are somewhat different this time around.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday that players have until July 2 at 4 p.m. ET to inform their clubs they are opting out for 2021. As with the 2020 campaign, players deemed high-risk for COVID-19 will receive a $350,000 stipend. Voluntary opt-outs get no stipend, though, after such players received $150,000 stipends last year. All opt-out calls are final, which is noteworthy because players had until early August to opt out last summer.

Pelissero added:

Only players who executed their contracts prior to Oct. 1, 2020, are eligible to take a voluntary opt out, so 2021 rookies aren’t eligible. If a "Higher Risk" rookie opts out, the club still owns his rights. All opt-out decisions are final.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 23, 2021

The NFL and NFLPA also agreed to more benefits for fully vaccinated players, including allowing them to collect per-game roster bonuses even if they miss a game because of a “breakthrough case.” From today’s memo to clubs: pic.twitter.com/E44E1NUsC1
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 23, 2021

The NFL and NFL Players Association are encouraging players to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, but both entities have made it clear players cannot be cut only because they choose to remain unvaccinated. However, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley recently generated headlines by slamming the league and union over updated health and safety protocols for players fully vaccinated versus the stricter rules for those who don't get jabbed before training camp.

Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, Matt Nagy of the Chicago Bears and Bruce Arians of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among those who have publicly stressed the importance of players being vaccinated as soon as possible so everybody can work under the same guidelines.

"The unvaccinated players are going to have a harder time in the season," Zimmer explained last week.

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