High School students are not the only ones who have been affected by the pandemic, many NFL teams have also experienced setbacks. Many teams have been affected by this including the Pittsburgh Steelers, the AtlantaFalcons and the Tennessee Titans. The Steelers’ and Titans’ game was postponed due to a Titans’ player testing positive for COVID-19. The Falcons have shut down their facility after having multiple positive tests as well. 

            The NFL has put protocols in place for a situation such as this one. If a player tests positive they must have a second negative test within 24 hours of the initial negative test, have increased symptom monitoring, eight days of daily virus testing, and have regular testing scheduled.

             “As a Steelers fan, I was not happy the game against the Titans was canceled. I was excited to watch it because it would have been a good game. Both of the teams have had a good season so far,” junior Brenlyn Stutzman said.

            The Steelers’ and Titans’ game is now scheduled to be played on November 1, after previously being scheduled for October 25. COVID-19 has not only affected the Steelers and Titans, but also the Ravens. The Ravens had to adjust their schedule, because the Steelers’ and Titans’ game was rescheduled to be played at the same time the Steelers’ and Ravens’ were supposed to play.

          “I definitely agree that the need to be flexible is something that — this is the year for that. That’s kind of important every year, but man, this is the year of flexibility,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.

          The Falcons have also experienced some misfortune with COVID-19. The assistant coach tested positive and a few players did as well. The team has decided to not return to their facility until October 16. 

       “Out of an abundance of caution following one new positive test, we have made the decision to stop all in-person work at IBM Performance Field Thursday and will conduct all operations virtually. This decision was made in consultation with the NFL and medical officials. The health and safety of our team is our highest priority,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said.

            These changes have not only affected the players and coaches, but also the fans. It can be hard for them to see their favorite teams have to face these challenges.

           “It is unfortunate the teams have been affected in this way, but it is important for the health and safety of everyone,” Stutzman said.

          Despite a few COVID-19 cases and some schedule changes, the teams will be able to play the rest of their season.