Broncos, Seahawks players opt to skip in-person NFL workouts

Members of the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks will not join in-person workouts this offseason due to the COVID-19 pandemic, players announced Tuesday.

Athletes from both teams issued statements through the NFL Players Association announcing their decision ahead of the start of offseason programs next week.

Broncos players cited the COVID-19 positivity rate in the Denver area and a lack of “adequate protocols” for why they decided to skip in-person offseason workouts.

A statement on behalf of the Denver Broncos players: pic.twitter.com/b7ZQZ1Z7PY

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 13, 2021

Seahawks players said the NFL Players Association “has provided us with thorough research and information regarding our safety as players as we enter voluntary workouts this year, especially the benefits on our health and safety from a virtual off-season last year.”

“After considering all the facts, we as a team have decided to make a decision that is uncomfortable but necessary,” Seahawks players said in their statement. 

A statement on behalf of the Seattle Seahawks players: pic.twitter.com/4Bwl4KkEOI

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 13, 2021

The NFL and the NFLPA haven’t made a formal agreement on how offseason programs will be conducted with testing players for the virus. The league cancelled in-person offseason programs last year due to the pandemic, but had teams do virtual offseason programs. 

The league sent out a memo to teams Tuesday that Tier 1 or Tier 2 personnel will be required to get vaccinated in order to work in team facilities, unless they abstain for health or religious reasons.

Offseason programs have been scheduled to begin on April 19.