14 NFL Players Who Spoke About Their Decision To Get Vaccinated

93% of NFL players are vaccinated, so here is a sample.

At least 93% of NFL players are reported as vaccinated, according to NFL chief medical officer Allen Sills. Given all of the Aaron Rodgers vaccine drama, we can only hope that number is as accurate as possible.

Patrick Smith / Getty Images

Here are some players who confirmed they are indeed vaccinated.

1. Patrick Mahomes

Jamie Squire / Getty Images

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and former MVP Patrick Mahomes told reporters back in April that he was vaccinated.

“To me it was more of a personal decision, with having a baby girl and knowing that I was going to be around people,” he said to reporters during an online media session. “I wanted to make sure I could do whatever I could to help keep her healthy.”  

2. Joe Cardona

Maddie Malhotra / Getty Images

New England Patriots long snapper and officer in the US Naval Reserve Joe Cardona confirmed he was vaccinated and even advocated for the importance of "science over misinformation."

“To have an organization as a whole and a locker room that prioritizes science over misinformation or whatever else is out there and presents the facts to us players in a concise manner and addresses concerns regarding vaccination, regarding whatever concerns a player has, has been really great to be a part of,” Cardona told the media back on June 16, according to CBS Boston.

3. Baker Mayfield

Dylan Buell / Getty Images

Cleveland Browns starting quarterback and the 2018 No. 1 overall draft pick Baker Mayfield is vaccinated and believed it was putting the team winning first.

“It definitely poses a competitive advantage for higher vaccine rates on your team just because of the close contact and what happens if somebody does unfortunately get COVID, what can happen to the rest of the building,” Mayfield told reporters, according to Sports Illustrated.

4. Myles Garrett

Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

Cleveland Browns star pass rusher (and fellow Halloween enthusiast) Myles Garrett is also vaccinated. 

He told USA Today Sports: “I would say go do it, get the vaccine, to decrease the risk of getting COVID or spreading it to someone who is going to have an adverse reaction like myself.”

5. Matthew Slater

Maddie Meyer / Getty Images

New England Patriots captain and special-teamer Matthew Slater has been outspoken about the vaccine.

"Obviously we want everyone to stay safe and healthy," he told the media this past preseason. "We want our football team to be healthy and productive. We’re just going to have to take that one day at a time.” 

6. DJ Reed

Abbie Parr / Getty Images

Another vocal player who was cautious of the vaccine is Seattle Seahawk DJ Reed.

He tweeted, "I just got my vaccine because I don’t want to hinder my team, idk how I feel about that."

7. Leonard Fournette

Mitchell Leff / Getty Images

Leonard Fournette, running back and Super Bowl champ for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is part of the "all-vaxxed" team.

He was initially hesitant to get vaccinated, but stressed the importance of availability by saying, "We need every hand in here."

8. Cam Newton

Maddie Malhotra / Getty Images

Recently signed by his former team, the Carolina Panthers, after being released by the New England Patriots, quarterback and former MVP Cam Newton finally got vaccinated.

He released a full video on his unfiltered thoughts and footage of him actually getting the vaccine. He made a point to say, "I do think it is beneficial," in regards to the vaccine.

He had missed a few practices before the final preseason game due to a misunderstanding with COVID protocols.

9. Emmanuel Sanders

Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images

Emmanuel Sanders, wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, went as far to share his vaccination card in an Instagram story.

He shared the image on Instagram and had a clear message to everyone: "Accountability. Availability. Don't have time to deal with no bs during the season. #Chasinggreatness"

10. Stefon Diggs

Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images

Fellow Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs is one of many Buffalo players vaccinated.

He even shared the same words as his teammate Sanders in an even more brief response: "accountability … availability"

11. Ryan Tannehill

Andy Lyons / Getty Images

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is vaccinated, although I wouldn't say he got it quietly...at all.

"I love this game," he said, according to the Tennessean. "I love this team. I want to be able to compete and do the things that I think are important to build chemistry and win football games. So, ultimately that forced my hand to get the vaccine."

(But, hey, vaccinated is vaccinated.)

12. Travis Kelce

David Eulitt / Getty Images

Star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce was hesitant about the vaccine at first, but made an effort to get the word out.

"I was definitely hesitant," Kelce told the Kansas City Star, "but it’s only here to help us, and I’m here to just spread the word to try and encourage everybody to get it.”

13. Fred Warner

Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images

Fred Warner, the often overlooked San Francisco 49ers linebacker (his peers voted him as the No. 21 player in all of football), confirmed he is vaccinated.

"I am vaccinated," he said to David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone, "and I know that I'm a person that guys can come to, to ask some questions about it. What are their concerns, and stuff like that. That's all I'm truly trying to be, is just a tool for people to use, a resource. If somebody's got a question that they want to ask me, I'm more than open to answer."  

14. Russell Wilson

Justin Casterline / Getty Images

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is not only vaccinated, but he held an entire awareness special back in April called "Roll Up Your Sleeves." He hosted the event alongside his wife, Ciara (that's some couple star power right there).

"We're going to encourage America to get vaccinated," he said on the special that featured the likes of Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

Do you think the NFL will hit 100% vaccination by the end of the season? Comment below!

Head to the CDC's website for more information about COVID-19 vaccines.