I can already picture my friend’s faces after I tell them that multiple NFL players use the same towel, and their reactions ran the gamut from horror to confusion. “Wait, what? That seems like too much for my brain to comprehend.” It took me a moment to realize what I was saying, and I was immediately hit with a wave of nausea.
I mean, I understand why there’s a need for safety measures in any form of contact sport, but sharing a towel just doesn’t feel right. Doesn’t innovation usually involve coming up with new ways to fulfill a need? It feels like these players are settling for the easy way out, and it’s something that seems more fitting for us plebeians than high-level athletes.
Then, again, I’m not an athlete, and most of my thoughts about this are pure speculation. Are the athletes being properly sanitized after each use, so to speak? Does the towel get replaced regularly, and is there continual oversight to be sure that proper hygiene is practiced? What do the team trainers have to say about this? There’s obviously a good reason why this is acceptable, but I have yet to find out what it is.
Maybe I’m overthinking it. It isn’t unusual for teammates to share some equipment in team sports. Does it make more sense for the athletes to conserve resources and be budget-minded, or does it possibly put them—and their teammates—in danger of contamination? With the way the NFL arena is already a ticking time bomb of infectious diseases, I’d think that being extra careful would be in everyone’s best interest.
As a career non-athlete, I am dubious about the wisdom of multiple NFL players using the same towel. Maybe they truly are doing their best to conserve resources, but it still sounds like a recipe for disaster.
No matter what the official explanation is, it’s surprisingly common for some of these players to use the same towel, and invariably, I feel an unsettled feeling every time I hear this being discussed. Do they truly understand the consequences of their actions? Am I wrong for thinking this isn’t the best course of action?
I know NFL bylaws probably prohibit using the same towel for each player, but when everyday reality doesn’t always reflect the bylaws, it’s time to question why. It’s an interesting conundrum when it comes to multiple NFL players using the same towel, and I admit that part of me still doesn’t quite understand why it’s happening.
When it comes to hygienic safety, I’m shocked to find out that this isn’t a deal breaker for the players. After all, it’s their jobs while being put at risk, and it just isn’t worth the potential consequences. Just the thought of it is enough to give me the chills.
Perhaps it’s time to look for alternatives. I’d be so much more comfortable knowing that they have proper resources in place that will put everyone’s minds at ease. They should create a policy prohibiting towel sharing and instead provide each player with their own towel. It would also be great if they could create a way to track the use of these towels, to ensure that each player is getting their own clean towel each game.
Providing the proper resources and equipment isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Fans take these players seriously and expect that the teams are doing the same. By switching up the game and investing in the players, it’s possible to give them the best possible environment in which to perform.
It’s time to rethink the way the NFL addresses the need for towels. After all, there are lots of new and innovative ways to give these players the clean and sterile environment they need to stay safe. It’s possible to not just create a policy, but also track the use of the equipment and provide resources that will go a long way in protecting all the players.
There also needs to be a stronger platform for vocalizing the importance of not sharing medical equipment amongst players. This need to be discussed amongst and supported by the whole team, and proper resources need to be readily available.
Empowering the team to speak up and get the tools they need is a great step in the right direction. Besides, in an environment that’s already so high-risk, it’s much better to be safe than sorry when it comes to using towels. No one player or team should be put at risk just because of a lack of proper medical equipment and sanitation.
At the end of the day, it’s perfectly reasonable to want the players to be safe and be sure that they’re not putting themselves at risk of contamination. Multiple NFL players should be encouraged to not only use their own resources, but also have faith that their team will provide them with the best resources available.
This isn’t just about good hygiene; it’s also about respect for each and every player, their teams, and their fans. Every player should be able to trust that their team is providing them with the necessary resources to stay safe, and that the game they’re playing is a reflection of their dedication and hard work.