Report: NFL, NFLPA Expected to Recommend, Not Require Face Shields for Players

With negotiations on the matter still ongoing, the NFL and NFLPA may agree to recommend but not require players to wear face shields when play begins this fall amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. 

Garafolo shared sketches of one shield design:

The NFL revealed the shields earlier this month, per ESPN's Tim McManus:

"The Oakley Prizm Lens Technology used by skiers, military personnel and, most recently, NFL players for enhanced color and contrast in their visors is featured in the new design. Plastic sheets extend down and attach to the face guard. There are airways and openings on the mouth shield but none that allow the direct transmission of droplets, according to the chair of the NFL's engineering committee, Dr. Jeff Crandall."

McManus added that the design was "the result of an iterative process based in large part on player feedback, with comfort and functionality top of mind along with protection."

The idea is that a face shield or mouth guard would help limit the spread of the coronavirus. Masks mitigate the extent to which the wearer spreads particles into the air.

Practicality is one possible hurdle for NFL players, though.

Houston Texans star J.J. Watt told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio he wasn't necessarily on board with the idea. Watt explained he had tried wearing a visor early in his career and quickly found it to be uncomfortable. His comments begin at the 9:24 mark:

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was similarly skeptical. He told Joel McHale on Jimmy Kimmel Live that it's "gonna be crazy if we have to do that" in reference to the shields. The six-time Pro Bowler added he has been practicing with the shield, though, so he'll be more used to the change if it's mandated by the NFL.