A number of NFL gamers have pushed again towards the league’s stance on COVID-19 vaccinations, however a minimum of one has private causes for supporting his soccer brethren taking their photographs.
Houston Texans linebacker Jonathan Greenard’s stepfather, Washington Varnum Jr., died at 54 from issues of the virus earlier this yr, prompting Greenard to get vaccinated and encourage different gamers to take action.
“I’m younger and in good well being, as most of us NFL gamers are. However it’s not about us. It’s concerning the ones round us who’re older and have underlying situations,” Greenard instructed USA In the present day Sports activities on Friday. “Now we have an opportunity to save lots of them and provides them a pair extra years or nonetheless longer. It’s lower than us. It’s as much as us to maintain these protected round us.”
The 24-year-old Greenard, starting his second season with the Texans out of Florida, added that’s mom, Carmen, and different members of the family additionally examined optimistic for COVID-19.
“My mother was dang close to the identical state of affairs as my stepdad however recovered because of God’s grace,” Greenard mentioned. “However my stepdad didn’t make it. It’s concerning the ones like my stepdad who want they may’ve had a vaccine on the time, or who may’ve taken a vaccine to assist them out.
“But when individuals may put the selfishness apart, I believe this pandemic may’ve been over a very long time in the past.”
The NFL introduced Thursday it might implement stricter pointers for groups with unvaccinated gamers, together with the potential of forfeited video games as a result of a COVID outbreak.
Gamers equivalent to Buffalo’s Cole Beasley, Arizona’s DeAndre Hopkins and New England’s Matthew Judon have been amongst these expressing their opposition to receiving a vaccine.
Greenard added that he understands these considerations, particularly since he’s thought of in danger as a result of he suffers from an irregular heartbeat and bronchial asthma.
“Sure, everybody responds otherwise, and sure, individuals have a concern and opinions,” Greenard mentioned. “Nonetheless these are educated professionals and I take their phrase for it.
“I don’t reside in concern. I simply wish to do my half to guard myself and my household. My household was devastated by it and I don’t need individuals to want they’d taken motion when it’s too late.”
