NFL DRAFT 2020 TO GO AHEAD

The NFL draft for 2020 is still due to go ahead as scheduled from 23-25 April but players, fans and media will not be present because of the coronavirus pandemic. In previous seasons around half million fans turn up to meet players and find out who their teams will sign up. Instead this years draft will be held in a television studio, with players interviewed via video conference. The draft was due to take place in Las Vegas and the NFL had already cancelled all public events.  NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said it "can serve a very positive purpose for our clubs, our fans, and the country". He added: "There is no assurance that we can select a different date and be confident that conditions will be significantly more favourable than they are today."

The NFL draft is one of the biggest events in the United States' sporting calendar, with all 32 teams recruiting talent from the American collegiate system amid wall-to-wall media coverage. In a memo sent to franchises, Goodell said: "We will not be bringing prospects and their families to the draft, and the draft itself will be conducted and televised in a way that reflects current conditions. All clubs should now be doing the necessary planning to conduct draft operations in a location outside of your facility, with a limited number of people present, and with sufficient technology resources to allow you to communicate internally, with other clubs, and with draft headquarters."
Two Quarterbacks already on the move are of course Tom Brady (right) who has joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after twenty years with the New England Patriots and six Superbowl titles in the bag. Also on the move is Cam Newton who has been released by Carolina Panthers after nine years with them. Newton, 30, was named the NFL's most valuable player for 2015 after leading the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 where they lost to the Denver Broncos. He has struggled with shoulder and foot injuries in recent seasons, playing just two games in 2019. "Cam has meant a lot to this organisation and the Carolinas," general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement. "Everyone saw his performances on the field. I had the privilege of seeing how hard he worked off the field, and his commitment to this team when no one was watching. "He willed this team to victory on many occasions and will always be considered one of the greatest players in the history of this franchise." Carolina are believed to be ready to announce the signing of Teddy Bridgewater, who is a free agent after being the league's highest-paid back-up quarterback last season with the New Orleans Saints. Where Cam Newton goes next is unclear at this time.