NFL Mandates COVID Vaccine for all Tier 1 and Tier 2 Employees

(KSN.com) – The NFL sent a memo to teams regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and the upcoming 2021 season.

According to the memorandum, all Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees, excluding players, will be required to be vaccinated to keep their tiered access without a “bon fide medical or religious ground.”

The NFL informed clubs today any team employee who refuses a COVID-19 vaccination without “bona fide medical or religious ground” will be barred from Tier 1 or Tier 2 status, and thus have restricted access within the team facility and not work directly with players, per sources.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 13, 2021

Tier 1 includes coaches and football personnel whose job required direct access to players for extended periods of time. Tier 2 consists of additional personnel who may come in contact with players or other Tier 1 employees.

A deal between the NFL and NFLPA says players will not be required to receive the vaccine, however the league does plan to relax some regulations as players and teams reach certain thresholds of vaccinations.

Teams are also expected to use stadiums or training facilities as vaccination sites for staff, players and family members through “Vaccination Days”, as well as provide and schedule vaccine information sessions for all personnel and families.

Clubs will need to provide a percentage of tiered staff that is vaccinated starting April 19 and weekly moving forward.

The NFLPA and NFL continue to talk about what the offseason programs are going to look like. The NFLPA has called for players to boycott any in-person programs prior to training camp, including mandatory minicamps. Read Full Article >