NFL coronavirus updates: Draft will proceed without fans, league prohibits pre-draft visits

The global pandemic is sending shockwaves across all major sports leagues

By Patrik Walker

Mar 16, 2020 at 11:51 am ET • 2 min read

The coronavirus has unfortunately begun sweeping the globe and sports leagues are faced with uncertainty in the near-term as they try to manage what's now been officially deemed a world pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). While the U.S. government and others around the world attempt to get a handle on the virus, new reports of infection are beginning to crop up virtually every minute, and several NFL teams aren't waiting on a mandate before taking action. A slew of teams have already suspended all pre-draft travel and begun to recall their scouts and coaches, some also taking the added step of closing down their facilities completely.

"Due to health and travel concerns surrounding COVID-19, the Redskins have informed all coaches and scouts to suspend all travel until further notice," team owner Dan Snyder said in an official statement.

Other teams immediately followed suit, and it's expected all 32 will have invoked some sort of travel ban eventually, while on Friday, it was announced that the NFL had decided to "prohibit all in-person pre-draft visits involving draft-eligible players." Draft-eligible players are not allowed to travel to a club facility or any other location to meet with team personnel. Organizations are also barred from traveling to draft-eligible player's schools.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is also taking precautions to protect NFL fans. They've now announced the postponement of the first-ever "Hall of Fame Fan Fest" that was scheduled for March 21-22 "as a safeguard against the COVID-19 virus." Those who purchased tickets for the event will receive a full refund.

The decision was made after receiving input from state and local health care authorities, and it will likely not be the last major change seen at the NFL level. The league is currently in discussions as to the coming 2020 NFL Draft and if there will be any changes or drastic overhauls made, and at least two teams -- namely the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers -- have opted to revisit their pre-draft strategies when considering the amount of travel involved to scout prospects.

The league's front office has also instructed all but operationally critical staff to work from home until further notice, beginning Friday, March 13. We at CBS Sports will continue to monitor news and provide updates whenever possible -- updating this article frequently in the process.