Despite an increase in positive coronavirus cases, the NFL should proceed with the 2020 season if it can implement new protocols to protect the health and safety of the athletes, staff and fans.

Out of the major American sports leagues, the NFL has the highest number of COVID-19 cases, with the Tennessee Titans reporting 22 positive cases, according to an Oct. 8 ESPN article.

In order to lower the number of COVID-19 cases and continue playing, the NFL should take a look at other leagues and replicate what they are doing to prevent more cases.

The NBA created a social bubble in Orlando, Florida, which allows only essential personnel in, with no team traveling and constant COVID-19 testing.

The concept worked well, with the NBA reporting no positive cases in 172 games played, in which teams followed the bubble protocol, according to an Aug. 30 Sports Illustrated article.

Where the NFL went wrong was allowing teams to travel continuously, which is likely why there are so many positive cases compared to other leagues.

In the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs game, quarterback Cam Newton tested positive but because the other players tested negative, the teams were still allowed to play.

If the NFL can follow the NBA’s lead in organizing games safely, then there is no reason why football should stop.

Face masks are a huge factor in slowing the spread of the virus, yet the NFL does not require players and coaches to wear them, according to an Aug. 20 CBS Sports article. 

San Jose State’s football team will be using helmets with built-in masks, which is something that the NFL could also adopt during games.

The NFL is also allowing some teams to play games with a limited number of fans in attendance and that needs to stop. 

According to an NBC Sports article published Friday, the league left it up to the teams to decide if fans were allowed or not.

The Dallas Cowboys allowed nearly 21,000 fans into AT&T Stadium since the second week of the season, which is unacceptable.

It puts fans, players and staff at risk for no reason. According to an ESPN article and CBS Sports article, other leagues like the NHL and NBA, both with no reported COVID-19 cases, are not allowing fans to be in attendance at games. 

While the NFL needs to work on controlling the spread of COVID-19 around the league, there are also some things it got right.

As a response to the increase in COVID-19 cases, the league implemented a new protocol to discipline individuals who don’t comply with the regulations put in place.

According to an Oct. 5 New York Times article, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell introduced a video system to monitor if players and staff were wearing masks while inside facilities and traveling. 

The NFL is also limiting the number of unsigned players who are able to try out per week and it is banning all player gatherings outside team facilities.

In addition, the NFL is punishing individuals who approach referees during games without wearing a face mask or helmet.

These consequences include a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct during games, as well as possible fines, suspensions and forfeiture of team draft picks, according to a post on the NFL’s website Friday.

According to an ESPN article posted on Friday, in a memo sent to teams Monday, NFL officials said that the league is implementing game-day testing for all players, coaches, and other team employees.

Provided the NFL makes changes that mirror what other leagues have done to successfully protect their players and staff, football should continue so fans can enjoy the sport during such dark times.