Two former Oregon Ducks have decided to opt-out and not play in the NFL this season.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected our way of life, including the sports world, bubble or not. Earlier this week, two former Oregon Football players, De’Anthony Thomas and Patrick Chung announced they will not take the field this season, opting out due to coronavirus concerns.
De’Anthony Thomas has made his name in the NFL as a punt returner. According to ESPN, the decision not to play did not have to do with any injuries but was a personal choice for the former Duck. Thomas was the primary punt returner for the Baltimore Ravens last season and signed a one year deal for 2020 back in March.
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Thomas will be given a $150,000 salary advance and will remain with the team next year. Now, the Ravens will turn to a rookie in James Proche who was the sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. De’Anthony Thomas was a fourth-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs spending six years with the team before signing with the Ravens before the start of last year.
Another former Oregon Duck, Patrick Chung, also announced he plans to sit out the upcoming season. Chung was joined by New England Patriots teammate Dont’a Hightower and was among six Patriots who will not participate. New England has a total of six players opt out so far for the upcoming season.
Patrick Chung has become a key player for the New England Defense. Even though his productivity was affected by an injury last season, he is still a player that Head Coach Bill Belichick knows he can depend on throughout the year. Hightower is a key player as well who will be missed. Both players will also be missed in the locker room as experienced voices for younger players.
There is even an Opt-Out Tracker that shows players who have decided to not play this season. The 2020 NFL Season is set to begin on Thursday, September 10th