NFL players react strongly to league banning postgame jersey swaps

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 ban on postgame jersey exchanges was included in NFL-NFLPA game-day protocols that clubs received last night. Other notable changes for 2020:

– On-field fan seating is prohibited.

– Both teams must travel to the stadium via bus.

– Media will be banned from the locker room. https://t.co/WizWrySFvU

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 9, 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.

thats DAMN SILLY bro.. 🤦🏾‍♂️ https://t.co/QDOwn2G3bc

— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) July 9, 2020

Then explain to me why are they allowing us to play at all? The other 4 quarters don’t matter.. I don’t understand so help me sir. https://t.co/LQDcLvKiYs

— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) July 9, 2020

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?

This is a perfect example of NFL thinking in a nutshell. Players can go engage in a full contact game and do it safely. However, it is deemed unsafe for them to exchange jerseys after said game. 😂🤣😂 https://t.co/fWefsUSVDc

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) July 9, 2020

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay offered up a similar sentiment.

So we can tackle each other for 60min but can’t exchange jersey that takes 2 mins😂😂😂 https://t.co/5RKq54T0mH

— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) July 9, 2020

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.