COVID-19 has dominated the year of 2020, affecting almost every aspect of our daily lives. When quarantine hit the United States, people became bored out of their minds and couldn’t wait for regular life to resume. Sports games were among the most highly anticipated events to return, as fans drooled over the thought of watching their favorite teams play again.

The NFL, however, is now coming face to face with every professional sports team’s worst nightmare. Last month, 22 members of the Tennessee Titans organization have tested positive for the coronavirus. The Titans are being investigated for possible violations of the league’s COVID-19 policy. That alone caused one game to be postponed and put another in jeopardy. Additionally, one player on the Atlanta Falcons and one player on the Las Vegas Raiders also tested positive.

After the Titans cluster was discovered, the New England Patriots have seen multiple players, including their star quarterback Cam Newton and last year’s defensive player of the year Stephon Gilmore, test positive as well. It is unclear where and how this Patriots spread began, but it is being closely monitored. The game between the Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs was moved back a day, and the game between the Patriots and the Denver Broncos was temporarily on the chopping block.

Two days ago, Denver Broncos president John Elway and CEO Joe Ellis both tested positive for the virus. Also this week, the Green Bay Packers placed two players on the COVID-19 list, along with the San Francisco 49ers who have had three players placed on the list just this week.

The threat of COVID-19 in the NFL is still very real, but it seems that teams are doing a better job controlling the virus as opposed to a month ago. Hopefully, we'll see continue to see a decrease in the overall cases and a high standard for COVID-19 protocols.

The problem with the NFL is that they are not in a bubble like we have seen with the NBA, NHL, and the MLB. With roster sizes over 50 players, and one game a week with a bye week added in for a total of 17 weeks, it isn’t very plausible for a bubble to come into play. It would be simply too much to ask from the players to stay in a hotel room away from family. It was hard for the other leagues, but they are playing a game every other night. NFL teams would be in it for the long haul, not to mention the teams that make the playoffs and could potentially have to play for another month or two.

After this country has come so far to finally achieve some sense of normalcy, it would be heartbreaking to see the NFL season come to an early end.

Griffin Moulton, class of 2021, is sports columnist for the Dedham Mirror. He enjoys playing hockey and baseball, studying politics, and hanging out with friends.