Shaq Thompson, Kawann Short describe reporting to training camp during the pandemic

[Sir Purr]

But because the NFL is not conducting training camps or the season in a bubble, players, coaches, and staff have to be as responsible as possible when outside the facility.


"You can't be selfish during this time. You've got to think about other guys and their families, and their health issues, or whatever they have going on," Thompson said. "You've just got to be smart about that, especially the young and single guys who want to go have fun and stuff like that. That stuff has to wait, wait until next year, or wait until we figure out COVID.


"Right now, during the season, if you want to play, you've got to be smart and just think about other people instead of yourself."


Making smart choices and protecting teammates has already been a consistent message for players on the Panthers and throughout the league. But Thompson said if needed, he and other veteran leaders will make sure younger players adhere to the guidelines.


"We've already talked about it in team meetings and stuff like that," Thompson said. "Guys here have done a great job of just staying away and doing all that. So I think they've got it. I think they're all professional. We've got some intelligent rookies who are smart, so I think they've got it down."