Myron Rolle, MD, a neurosurgery resident at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and former NFL player, told CNN in a July 28 interview that it is unsafe for the league to begin due to COVID-19 concerns.
The former safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans suggested that the NFL postpone or cancel the season to enable healthcare workers "to get ahead" of the pandemic and "make it safe for everyone to come back to the sport."
Currently, the NFL season is set to begin Sept. 10, but there are heightened concerns about the potential for COVID-19 transmission, given the close contact and physical nature of the sport.
Earlier this week, MLB's Miami Marlins were forced to postpone its next six games after 12 players and two coaches tested positive for COVID-19. The NBA is set to resume its season in Orlando, Fla., on July 30.
Dr. Rolle called for the NFL to "be a leader at the forefront" and put the safety of players and their families "at a premium."