Jones Joins Group of Star Players Voicing COVID-19 Concerns

The day after the NFL sent out a memo to the 32 teams advising them that training camp reporting dates were remaining as scheduled, a group of star players around the league took to Twitter to voice their frustration and accusing the league of not doing enough to ensure their safety amid the coronavirus pandemic.

One of those players speaking out (or tweeting out?) was new Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones.

"The NFL continues to ignore major health and safety concerns putting the 2020 season in jeopardy," Jones tweeted. "America wants to watch football and we want to play. Make the necessary changes." @nflcommish #WeWantToPlay

The NFL continues to ignore major health and safety concerns putting the 2020 season in jeopardy. America wants to watch football and we want to play. Make the necessary changes @nflcommish #WeWantToPlay
— Byron Jones (@TheByronJones) July 19, 2020

Jones wasn't the only Dolphins player sending the message Sunday, with fellow defensive back Eric Rowe joining him.

I just want to play football but we need the @NFL to step up and create a safe work environment for us all! #WeWantToPlay
— Eric Rowe (@TheEricRowe) July 19, 2020

Other NFL players who tweeted messages similar to that of Jones included Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Cleveland Browns (and former Dolphins) wide receiver Jarvis Landry.

Wilson's wife, singer Ciara, is pregnant with the couple's third child.

Jones had expressed similar feelings on Twitter nine days ago, and had been joined at that time by fellow Dolphins defensive backs Kavon Frazier, Nik Needham and Ryan Lewis.

Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth revealed Friday during an NFLPA video conference call that he had contracted COVID-19.

Among requests the NFLPA has made is that the preseason be completely eliminated in 2020 and the league abide by a joint medical committee recommendation of a 21-day acclimation period.

No official announcement have been made regarding specific training camp schedules.

Translating the #WeWantToPlay posts you're seeing now: Joint medical committee recommended a 21-day acclimation period. NFL asked players to show up 2 weeks early to accomodate it; NFLPA said no. NFL shortened acclimation period to accommodate 2 preseason games. Union wants 0.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 19, 2020