Former Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko has publicly stated he felt pressured to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to safeguard his NFL career, demanding "the truth" six years later. Fehoko expressed his concerns on the social media platform X, writing, "Six years later, dealing with the side effects of a vaccine nobody wanted to get but forced on players if we wanted to keep our job. The people deserve the truth."
Fehoko has not specified which vaccine he received, described his symptoms, or indicated if a medical professional has diagnosed a vaccine-related condition, leaving the cause and severity of his reported health issues unclear. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) stated in 2021 that vaccination was not officially mandated for players. However, unvaccinated players were subject to more stringent testing, masking, quarantine, and travel protocols, which could impact their game availability and team standing.
Fehoko suggested that established star players had more leeway to decline vaccination than undrafted players vying for roster spots. He contrasted his situation with that of players earning significant salaries, noting, "Some guys don’t make $40 million a year. A young rookie straight out of college hungry to achieve his dream with no finances? Obviously you’re holding him hostage to decisions he’s forced to make."
Several high-profile players openly resisted or expressed hesitation regarding the vaccine. Cole Beasley was among the league's most vocal critics of the protocols, stating he would retire rather than be vaccinated. Aaron Rodgers' decision to say he was "immunized" rather than vaccinated became a national talking point. Other players, including Kirk Cousins, Carson Wentz, and Montez Sweat, confirmed they were unvaccinated. Sam Darnold publicly sought more information before deciding, while Cam Newton missed practice time under protocols for unvaccinated players before eventually receiving a vaccine.
Scientific research acknowledges that persistent symptoms after vaccination have been reported. However, establishing a causal link in individual cases typically requires thorough medical evaluation. A study involving 498 vaccinated medical professionals found that 16% reported symptoms lasting over a month, with fatigue, menstrual changes, and muscle or joint pain being the most common. This study relied on self-reported data and did not definitively prove vaccination as the cause for every reported condition.
Researchers at Stanford have also investigated rare instances of myocarditis following mRNA vaccinations, particularly in younger males. Most of these cases emerged shortly after vaccination and resolved, and COVID-19 infection itself carried a higher risk of myocarditis. Fehoko's statements do not establish the cause of his current symptoms, but they bring to light the complex question of player choice during the pandemic, particularly for those lacking the financial security, leverage, or job stability to refuse mandates.