When does the NFL 2020 season start, and has the schedule changed because of coronavirus?
THE countdown to the new NFL campaign is on.
Last season saw the Kansas City Chiefs end 50 years of hurt as Patrick Mahomes inspired them to a Super Bowl triumph against the San Francisco 49ers.
With the coronavirus pandemic decimating sport around the world, the NFL draft is still going ahead – but what about the regular season?
When does the NFL 2020 season start?
THE NFL season is relatively short compared to the Premier League or NBA.
Played between late summer and mid-winter, 32 franchises battle it out across two conferences before the final two face-off for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The first pre-season games begin in August, before things properly kick-off into action in September.
The regular season lasts for 17 weeks and ends in early January, before the knockout-style playoffs and finally the Super Bowl in February.
American football’s biggest league prides itself on being robust and games are played in all weathers, with postponements a rarity.
For the upcoming 2020 season, here are the big dates for your diary:
- 2020 Draft: April 23-25
- Pre season starts: Club dependent, early August
- Regular season begins: Thursday, September 10
- Play-offs start: Saturday, January 2021
- Super Bowl: Sunday, February 7 (Tampa, Florida)
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Has the schedule changed because of coronavirus?
THE Covid-19 pandemic is currently sweeping worldwide and forcing sporting bodies to rearrange their calendars.
NFL bosses have already had to cancel the planned 2020 Draft ceremony in Las Vegas.
Instead, the annual bash will be conducted on phones and across the internet, with franchises unable to gather their stars at locked-down team bases.
For now, the above dates are being adhered to and the NFL plan to start the season as scheduled.
But with the ever-changing situation in mind, they are wary that later in the year there may have to be some compromise to make sure football goes ahead.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has confirmed that he wants the schedule laid out in full by May 9.
The Washington Post report that two major contingency plans being discussed by the NFL are either a shortened season or playing games without fans if Covid-19 measures remain in place long-term.