Roger Goodell Reportedly 'Extremely Determined' to Play 2020 NFL Season

Rob Goldberg @TheRobGoldbergFeatured ColumnistAugust 17, 2020

FILE - In this Feb. 3, 2020 file photo NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a news conference in Miami. The NFL has set protocols for reopening team facilities and has told the 32 teams to have them in place by May 15. In a memo sent by Goodell and obtained Wednesday, May 6, 2020 by The Associated Press, several phases of the protocols were laid out. The first phase would involve a limited number of non-player personnel, initially 50 percent of the non-player employees (up to a total of 75) on any single day, being approved to be at the facility. But state or local regulations could require a lower number. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, file)

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

The coronavirus pandemic has caused adjustments throughout the sports world, but the NFL is unlikely to cancel the season regardless of events.

"I think I've heard [Commissioner] Roger Goodell is determined to get this season played, ending in a Super Bowl, whenever it's played. Like, extremely determined," Peter King of NBC Sports reported Monday.

Despite the canceled preseason and the delayed start to training camps, the 2020 regular season remains on schedule to begin Sept. 10 with a matchup between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

"The NFL in 2020 will not look like other years," Goodell said in an open letter to fans. "Players and coaches will be tested for the virus regularly, including every day for a while. Preseason games have been canceled. Everyone in the team environment must follow rigorous health and safety protocols to keep themselves and each other safe."

Despite the safety protocols, there could be concern considering the continued prevalence of the coronavirus, which has led to over 160,000 deaths in the United States, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

College football remains in jeopardy after the Big Ten and Pac-12 both announced they would postpone their fall seasons. MLB has moved forward with its shortened 60-game season, but it has faced significant schedule adjustments due to outbreaks.

With the NFL not utilizing a bubble environment for its players, there is a risk of spread within teams and the league.

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However, Goodell appears unlikely to make any drastic moves to alter the campaign. Even if there is a delay, the league will likely figure out a way to crown a champion.