We weren’t sure it was going to happen but the NFL (National Football League) is kicking off its season and we’re here for it.
Are you ready for some football?
The Last Night’s Game Team
Let’s recap last year for a moment:
The Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. The biggest move of the off-season was Tom Brady flying south for the season to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
1. If it feels like the season snuck up on you, you’re right. There were no preseason games this year to help combat the spread of COVID. Fans of fantasy football weren’t happy about the absence of the preseason because they didn’t have a chance to scout players for their fantasy teams. Now the season will begin on Thursday night with the Chiefs, and their recently engaged quarterback Patrick Mahomes, taking on J.J. Watt and his Houston Texans. HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS
2. The sidelines will look a little empty as cheerleaders, mascots and sideline reporters will not be allowed on the field. It won't matter that there won't be a mascot to throw out t-shirts, because some stadiums will be empty for games with a handful of teams opting not to have fans present. The lack of fan noise won't be an issue because the NFL has approved for stadiums to use artificial fan noise in-stadium, but have set very strict rules on how loud that can be. The limit is 75 decibels – about the same as a vacuum cleaner. CHEER FROM THE COUCH
3. Just like college football, the referees will have electronic whistles to prevent their spittle from going everywhere like it would with a regular whistle. And you can also bet, just like college football, the NFL equipment managers will be busy making sure everything is sanitized and that includes laundry. One college team reported already doing 2.1 million pounds of laundry before the season even started. That number is significant because they did 3 million pounds of laundry total last season. AT LEAST THEY’LL SMELL GOOD?
4. Unlike may other professional sports, the NFL will not have a “bubble.” The bubble concept is unrealistic for football as teams have massive rosters and more coaches than any of other professional sport. Case in point - teams are limited to only traveling with 70 people including coaches, medical personnel and support staff. (For comparison sake, when the season began, basketball was limited to 37 people including players). No bubble doesn’t mean there aren’t a long list of rules to follow and protocol for anyone testing positive. Interestingly, any player who has tested positive and recovered (or who have tested positive for antibodies) will undergo additional cardiac screening. SAFETY FIRST
5. The Las Vegas Raiders will make their debut in their new home city this season. Their new stadium is pretty cool with a prime view of the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Too bad there will be no fans in the stands to take in the view. VIVA LAS RAIDERS
