Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton has echoed allegations made by Aaron Rodgers, claiming that numerous players, coaches, and executives within the league used fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards to circumvent league protocols during the 2021 season. Newton stated on his podcast, "4th & 1," that he knew "multiple people in that locker room didn't get the Covid shot" but possessed "cards that they paid for."
Rodgers initially made similar claims during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," suggesting that many individuals obtained fake vaccination cards. Newton's comments lend further credence to these assertions, which surfaced amidst criticism of Dr. Anthony Fauci's testimony before the U.S. Senate. Rodgers notably criticized Fauci for invoking the Fifth Amendment multiple times during his testimony.
NFL COVID-19 Protocols and Player Experiences
During the 2021 NFL season, league protocols mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for all team personnel to avoid stringent daily testing. Unvaccinated players faced daily testing, were required to wear masks within facilities, and had to adhere to distancing guidelines during team activities and meals. Coaches who refused vaccination were barred from working.
Newton recounted his own experience during the 2021 season as an unvaccinated player with the New England Patriots. He stated that after traveling for a medical appointment, he faced difficulties with reentry protocols despite testing negative for COVID-19. This situation, he explained, led to him losing practice time and ultimately his starting quarterback position to rookie Mac Jones. Newton later expressed feeling "bamboozled" by the vaccine-related issues.
Rodgers also described the protocols as a "crazy time," noting the perceived inconsistencies and the disparate treatment of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. He characterized the situation as "performative."