Trevor James
The Buffalo Bills have had a varied response to COVID-19 vaccinations from their players. While some players, such as Cole Beasley, have refused to get vaccinated, others on the team have chosen to get the shot. The NFL and NFLPA have agreed on separate protocols for vaccinated and unvaccinated players, with the latter group facing more restrictions and testing requirements. Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has expressed concern about the team falling behind in having COVID-19 protocol restrictions loosened if enough players are not vaccinated. The team's vaccination rate was reported to be just over 80% at one point, and random checks at games have shown few instances of fans unable to provide proof of vaccination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination status of Cole Beasley | Unvaccinated |
| Other Buffalo Bills players who are unvaccinated | Jon Feliciano |
| % of players vaccinated | Just over 80% |
| Vaccination requirement for players | No |
| Vaccination requirement for fans | Yes |
| Vaccination requirement for staff | No |
| Vaccination requirement for guests | Unclear |
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What You'll Learn
Cole Beasley's vaccine refusal
Cole Beasley, the Buffalo Bills' All-Pro slot receiver, has been vocal about his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In June 2021, he tweeted a "public service announcement" stating that he would rather retire from the NFL than be forced to get vaccinated. He also released an explicit rap song about his refusal, titled "Heavy 1s", on Twitter. Beasley has been critical of the NFL and NFLPA's separate protocols for vaccinated and unvaccinated players, arguing that they are unfair and questioning the effectiveness of the vaccine. He has been featured in team videos without a mask, and at least 12 players were seen wearing masks after practice, indicating a mix of vaccination statuses on the team.
Beasley's stance has sparked controversy and raised concerns within the Buffalo Bills organization and the NFL. Head coach Sean McDermott expressed worry that the team could fall behind in having COVID-19 protocol restrictions loosened if enough players aren't vaccinated by the start of training camp. The NFL has clarified that players cannot be released solely because they are unvaccinated. However, unvaccinated players face more limitations and restrictions on and off the field, which could impact team bonding and performance.
Beasley has been outspoken about his decision on social media and has painted himself as a conscientious objector, helping younger players make their own choices. He has asked reporters to limit their questions to football-related topics and stated that he is finished engaging on the issue online. Despite his refusal to discuss the merits of his decision, Beasley has gained support from fans and activists who argue that mandatory vaccination violates constitutional rights and individual freedom.
The controversy surrounding Cole Beasley's vaccine refusal highlights the challenges faced by sports organizations like the NFL in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. While the league encourages vaccination, it must also navigate the personal beliefs and medical choices of its players, striving to create a safe environment for all while respecting individual freedoms.
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The NFL's stance
The NFL cannot force players to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but they can impose restrictions on players who are not vaccinated. In June 2021, the NFL and NFLPA agreed to updated COVID-19 protocols for the 2021 training camp and preseason. These protocols differentiate between vaccinated and unvaccinated players, with the latter facing more limitations and stricter testing requirements. For example, unvaccinated players will have to be tested daily, while vaccinated players will only be tested every two weeks.
In response to the controversy, the NFL has clarified that teams cannot release players solely because they are not vaccinated. However, they encourage vaccination by implementing relaxed protocols for vaccinated individuals, such as less frequent testing and fewer restrictions on and off the field. Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has expressed concern about the potential impact of low vaccination rates on the team's ability to hold full team meetings and practices. He has focused his message on educating players about the benefits of vaccination rather than attempting to convince them.
While the NFL does not mandate vaccination, they incentivise it by offering more freedom and fewer restrictions for vaccinated players and teams with higher vaccination rates. This approach aims to encourage vaccination while respecting the personal choices of players who decide not to get vaccinated. The NFL's stance on COVID-19 vaccination has been a challenging issue, with the league trying to balance health and safety concerns with the personal freedoms of its players.
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Player testing protocols
Buffalo Bills players are not mandated to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but the NFL has implemented different rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated players. Vaccinated players have fewer restrictions on and off the field, while unvaccinated players face stricter limitations. The NFL has also stated that teams cannot release players solely because they are unvaccinated.
Unvaccinated players are subject to more frequent testing, with daily testing requirements during preseason and training camp, compared to biweekly testing for vaccinated players. The NFL has announced that fully vaccinated individuals will only be tested weekly instead of daily and will be exempt from "entry" testing after travel.
The Buffalo Bills organization has expressed concern about the potential impact of vaccination status on the team's operations. Head coach Sean McDermott has raised worries about the team falling behind in having COVID-19 protocol restrictions loosened if enough players are not vaccinated by the start of training camp. He has focused on educating players about the vaccine rather than attempting to convince them.
Some Buffalo Bills players, such as Cole Beasley, have been vocal about their refusal to get vaccinated, citing personal beliefs and concerns. Beasley has criticized the NFL's vaccine rules and the NFLPA's handling of the situation, arguing that the protocols do not make sense and that important information has been withheld from players. He has since retired and then returned to the team, expressing regret for how he handled the criticism over his vaccination status.
The varying testing protocols and restrictions for vaccinated and unvaccinated players in the Buffalo Bills organization aim to balance player safety, health, and operational considerations. While the NFL encourages vaccination, it respects players' personal choices and implements appropriate testing protocols to manage the risks associated with COVID-19.
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Player freedom and facilities access
While the NFL cannot force players to get vaccinated, players who refuse to get vaccinated face more restrictions. For example, unvaccinated players will have to be tested daily during the preseason and training camp, while vaccinated players will only be tested every two weeks. Additionally, vaccinated players will have fewer restrictions on and off the field.
Buffalo Bills player Cole Beasley has been very vocal about his refusal to get vaccinated. He has made statements and released a song about his decision, expressing his dissatisfaction with the NFL's vaccine rules and the NFLPA. He has also questioned the withholding of information that could influence players' decisions to get vaccinated. Beasley's stance has sparked controversy among fans, especially on social media, where he has engaged with and pushed back against his critics.
Beasley's teammate, Josh Allen, has commented on the situation, stating that everyone is entitled to their own opinion regarding the vaccine. The team does not seem overly concerned about unvaccinated players causing distractions in the locker room, despite some players being outspoken against the vaccine.
Head coach Sean McDermott has expressed concern about the team falling behind in having COVID-19 protocol restrictions loosened if enough players are not vaccinated. He has focused on educating players about the vaccine rather than convincing them, noting that there are professional, health, and safety considerations at play.
While the NFL has stated that teams cannot release players solely because they are unvaccinated, the Buffalo Bills organization has considered the impact of vaccination status on facility access and team operations. The number of vaccinated players may affect the team's ability to hold training camps at their preferred locations. Additionally, unvaccinated players and their guests may face restrictions when attending games, as proof of vaccination is required for entry for fans over the age of 12.
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Fan vaccination requirements
The Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders are the only NFL teams to require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for all fans over 12. Beginning later in 2021, COVID vaccinations were required for fans ages 12 and older attending Buffalo Bills games at Highmark Stadium. When the Bills hosted their next game on September 26, fans were required to have at least one dose. Fans younger than 12 years old were allowed to attend but had to wear masks and be accompanied by a vaccinated adult.
From October 31, 2021, fans eligible to receive the vaccine had to be fully vaccinated to attend Bills games. Fans were required to present proof of their vaccination. Photocopies were not accepted—fans had to present the actual vaccination card or use the New York State Excelsior Pass or a digital vaccine card. Masks were recommended but optional for fans over 12.
Season ticket holders could request refunds through specific guidelines, with a deadline set for September 21, 2021. Fans who had purchased single-game tickets were not offered refunds. Those looking to get vaccinated could attend clinics at the Pepsi Club at Highmark Stadium on September 22 and 29, October 6 and 13 or visit the Erie County Department of Health’s website or their local pharmacy or doctor’s office.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Buffalo Bills players do not have to be vaccinated. While the NFL cannot force players to get vaccinated, they can impose restrictions on those who are not.
Vaccinated players have fewer restrictions on and off the field and are required to test weekly or bi-weekly.
Unvaccinated players have more restrictions and are required to test daily.
