Roger Goodell thanks NFL fans after Super Bowl LV

The NFL endured multiple COVID-19 outbreaks that caused handfuls of postponements and reschedulings during the season, but the league never pushed an entire week back and completed Super Bowl LV between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, as scheduled. 

Following the completion of a full and uninterrupted campaign, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell shared a letter written to fans and published by the league's official website. 

"More than 1.2 million fans safely returned to 21 stadiums this season to root for their favorite teams," Goodell wrote. "Coaches and players alike shared with me how excited they were to welcome you back and hope never to play without you again. They are right, football is simply not the same without you. 

"We missed your energy…your passion…your traditions on game days. You are the lifeblood of the NFL and you inspire us with your love of football." 

Goodell also touched upon the healthcare personnel who were the NFL's invited guests for the Super Bowl held at Raymond James Stadium. 

"A special thanks to our healthcare professionals, essential workers and first responders who have courageously done their jobs all year and kept us safe," he wrote. "We were honored to welcome 7,500 vaccinated health care workers at the Super Bowl as our guests.  

"Finally, on behalf of the entire NFL family -- there are no words to adequately express our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the more than 460,000 individuals who have lost a loved one to Covid19.  

"It's too early to know what the 2021 season will look like, but the NFL will do its part to help our communities return to normal. We look forward to seeing you back at the games next fall, but in the meantime, thank you and stay safe." 

Last week, Goodell offered all NFL stadiums as vaccination sites in a letter delivered to President Joe Biden. He also refused to say if fans will have to be vaccinated to attend future league events, such as the 2021 NFL Draft scheduled to take place in Cleveland, Ohio from April 29-May 1.