The NFL’s new hygiene concept for the 2020 season includes a ban on shirt replacement. NFL stars like Richard Sherman or Deshaun Watson react with incomprehension. Byron Jones demands more far-reaching measures.

No changing of jerseys, no high-fiving after the game – but cracking tackles. With the Game Day Protocol, the NFL has presented its new hygiene concept to the teams.

In particular, the ban on changing jerseys after the game, whereas previously full-contact sports were practised in 60 minutes net playing time, has not gone down well with some players – even though the concept was nodded off by the NFLPA players’ union.

ran.de summarizes the reactions to the hygiene concept.

Richard Sherman and Deshaun Watson critical
Richard Sherman of the San Francisco 49ers has a reputation for keeping his opinions alive.

On Twitter he wrote about the new concept: “This is a perfect example of the NFL way of thinking. Players can safely play a full-contact sport. “But still, it’s not safe to change your jerseys after the game.”

This is a perfect example of NFL thinking in a nutshell. Players can go engage in a full contact game and do it safely. However, it is deemed unsafe for them to exchange jerseys after said game. 😂🤣😂 https://t.co/fWefsUSVDc

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) July 9, 2020

His teammate George Kittle retweeted Sherman’s opinion and commented on the news of the new regulations with an uncomprehending GIF.

https://t.co/JHZWTfcVmi pic.twitter.com/3SAPS4y3Vh

— George Kittle (@gkittle46) July 9, 2020

Quarterback Deshaun Watson of Houston Texans called the Game Day Protocol “damn silly, bro,” along with facepalm emoji.

In a short Twitter dispute with a user, Watson added: “Have you ever played professional football? You really believe that when you get tackled, there’s no sweat or saliva? Or that during timeouts, in a huddle, or between plays, there aren’t a few guys talking face to face?”

=https://twitter.com/deshaunwatson/status/1281268448937443328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1281268448937443328%7Ctwgr%5E& proudly presents

So have you ever played in a professional football game before? So you don’t think when you get tackled sweat and saliva isn’t there? Or during timeouts or in a huddle or in between plays guys aren’t talking to each other face to face? I need better facts to get it? https://t.co/8zbRq17zZ7

— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) July 9, 2020

Byron Jones calls for further action
Watson’s teammate Laremy Tunsil became more drastic in his choice of words: “I shake my head. The NFL is a joke.”

Smh! NFL is a joke! https://t.co/KPPbaxeNjU

— Laremy Tunsil (@KingTunsil78) July 9, 2020

And Byron Jones, cornerback for the Miami Dolphins, still sees room for improvement in a hygiene concept despite the new measures: “It is frustrating that the NFL is still ignoring important aspects of player health and safety, even though training starts in two weeks’ time. We just want to play football. Make it happen, NFL.”

Frustrating to hear the NFL has yet to address major issues regarding player health + safety with training being 2 weeks away. We just want to play football. Make it happen @NFL

— Byron Jones (@Byron31Jump) July 9, 2020