Titans' QB Ryan Tannehill only got vaccine because NFL 'forced' hands with protocols

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — In a post-practice interview, Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill says he wouldn’t have gotten the Coronavirus vaccine if NFL protocols didn’t encourage it.

“I wouldn’t have gotten the vaccine if, without the protocols they’re enforcing on us. I think it’s a personal decision for everyone and everyone has to make the best decision for them and their families, that’s kind of our mindset in this building. But they’re trying to push your hand and they ultimately have forced a lot of hands by the protocols, which is, everyone has their own opinion on it,” Tannehill says.

Titans general manager Jon Robinson opened up training camp Wednesday revealing that the team has a vaccination rate of 90%.

The NFL has mandated that all staff and coaches be vaccinated, however, Robinson and head coach Mike Vrabel have stressed that it a personal decision that each player will have to make.

Robinson noted that many players will continue wearing masks during certain periods, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been partly or fully vaccinated.

Tannehill says the Titans brought in doctors to talk to the players about the Coronavirus vaccine back in the spring.

He goes on to say he loves the game and the team, so he wants to do what he can to help build chemistry and win football games, and that’s why he decided to get the vaccine.

According to the NFL, vaccinated players are allowed to go back to a pre-pandemic normal. Unvaccinated players will have to continue with the restrictions put in place during the 2020 season. This includes wearing a mask, being tested daily, eating separately from the team and avoiding sauna or steam rooms.

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