BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens and wide receiver Robby Anderson #11 of the New York Jets exchange jerseys after the game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens win 42-21 over the New York Jets
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The NFL banned postgame jersey swaps courtesy of COVID-19 restrictions and players are none too happy with the decision.

The time-honored tradition that was swapping jerseys after a hard-fought game is now over. At the very least, it’s over for the 2020 season, courtesy of this brave, new COVID-19 world.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the league has banned jersey swaps following all games in 2020.

The new rule was included in the NFL-NFLPA gameday protocols that all 32 organizations received Wednesday night. In addition to the jersey swap, players cannot stand closer than six feet away from each other, on-field fan seating is prohibited, both teams must take a bus to the stadium on gamedays, and media is prohibited from the locker rooms.

The reaction to the jersey swap ban has been swift and fierce, with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson leading the way on Twitter.

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman pointed out the obvious: six feet away after the game but smashing into one another during? How does that make sense?

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay offered up a similar sentiment.

Others who have commented include Randall Cobb and Trai Turner.

From a Jets perspective, there hasn’t been much noise. Jamal Adams may have quote-tweeted something on the topic but it cannot be found anywhere (possibly deleted).

Either way, the postgame field will look incredibly different in 2020. In addition to no jersey swaps, no longer will players seek out others from the same college and embrace the way it’s always been done. Caution will be the word of the 2020 season until otherwise notified.

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Robby Sabo is a co-founder, developer and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor | Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (sold in 2020). SEO: XLM Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com
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