NFL, NFLPA agree to end COVID-19 protocols

After nearly two full years filled with masks, nasal swabs and room capacities, the NFL and the NFL Players Association have agreed to end COVID-19 protocols.

The league sent a memo to all teams Thursday morning, according to a report from the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

According to the memo, the league will no longer test players or staff, regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated team members were still being tested every day in 2021. Players and staff will no longer have to wear tracking devices inside club facilities. Masks are no longer required. There are no longer capacity limits in weight rooms.

Players and staff are encouraged to monitor themselves for symptoms before entering any team facilities.

The memo also noted that COVID-19 protocols could be reinstated should they be deemed necessary. Teams will also have to continue following local and state laws.

All those previously mentioned restrictions were in place throughout the 2020 season. They remained in place for unvaccinated players and staff throughout 2021. Vaccinated players and staff had slightly looser restrictions during the 2021 season.

NFL stadiums did return to full capacity crowds in 2021 after many stadiums remained empty or severely limited in 2020. During two seasons with COVID-19 protocols, the NFL played all 554 scheduled games.