The NFL was initially the only major sports league that had been not yet been affected by the coronavirus. That all changed this week when the NFL draft was changed up a little bit and the commissioner made a big decision on training facilities for players.
The NFL Draft was set to take place on April 23rd through April 25th in Las Vegas As recently as last week, officials still felt like this was an attainable date despite the limits that have been placed on crowds around the country. Commissioner Roger Goodell put any hopes of a live draft to bed though, as he released an official memo on Monday.
Now official: NFL now has informed teams it will do a virtual draft this year. GMs and HCs now will be drafting from their homes. pic.twitter.com/t2mbdjWvVZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 6, 2020
Coaches and General Managers will now be drafting from the comfort of their own homes, much like we all do during our fantasy drafts. It is not clear how this would be televised as a normal draft would be.
In the same memo, Goodell made it clear that training facilities will be shut down indefinitely. The league had already asked teams to shut down their facilities on March 26th, and they had shut down their offices on March 13th. It now looks like the NFL season could potentially be in more trouble than initially thought.
Saints; legendary kicker Tom Dempsey unfortunately passed away this weekend, succumbing to the COVID-19 virus. Dempsey, who was born without toes on his right foot, kicked a record long 63-yard field goal in 1970. Dempsey spent 11 seasons int he NFL playing for five different franchises.
Former Saints’ kicker Tom Dempsey died late Saturday from coronavirus. He was 73. Dempsey, who played in the NFL despite being born without toes on his kicking foot and made a record 63-yard field goal, tested positive for the coronavirus a little more than a week ago. pic.twitter.com/H5A1lNmBAi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 5, 2020
Antonio Brown looks to be working on a comeback to the NFL after a lengthy battle of highs and lows last year. Brown hired EMG Sports to represent him as he looks to get back onto a team for the 2020 season. The former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout spent time on the Raiders and Patriots last season, with both situations ending poorly.
With his continued desire to return to the NFL this season, free-agent WR Antonio Brown has hired veteran agent Ed Wasielewski of EMG Sports to represent him, the agent told ESPN Monday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 6, 2020
More News From Around the NFL
- The Atlanta Falcons made their signing of Todd Gurley official on Monday after agreeing to terms a few weeks ago. Atlanta picked up the running back after the Rams cut him loose.
- The Bills signed OT Daryl Williams to a 2.25 million deal that includes just $250,000 guaranteed.
- President Trump got on a call with commissioners and executives from all major sports, including the NFL. The call was aimed at letting them know that the goal was to get back to action as soon as possible and that August was a month Trump was shooting for to have fans back in stadiums.
- The Bucs re-signed QB Blaine Gabbert, who will likely serve as the backup for Tom Brady this season.
All of that news and more, this week in the NFL! Check back weekly with GMS Sports for the most up-to-date information on your favorite sports.
