It’s that time of the year when NFL teams are preparing for the big cut; cutting down to 53 players on their rosters. It’s something that always makes me kinda-sorta sad. Sure, it’s part of the game and an integral part of the process, but it’s never easy watching a bunch of hard-working guys get cut from the team they thought they had made.
Every year, the process is the same. Each team in the NFL has to cut down their roster to at least 53 players before the regular season starts. But that’s only half the battle; the teams have to make sure they have the right 53 players on the roster. That’s where the skill of the front office comes in.
For the players, the pre-season is like a gauntlet. Everyone knows what’s coming, and the pressure is incredibly intense. Even the veterans have to prove they’re still worth a spot on the team, and the rookies have to show they can handle the pressure. The whole process is full of highs and lows. On the one hand, there’s the elation of making the final 53. On the other, there’s the beating heartache of being let go.
When do teams have to make the final cuts? Generally speaking, teams have to reduce their roster to 53 players three days before the first regular season game. But, as you can imagine, this year may look a little bit different. With the virus causing disruptions to the usual schedule, teams may end up making their cuts a week or more before the regular season starts.
The final cut-down is a bittersweet moment for a lot of players. It’s the time when they finally find out if they’ve made the team—and it’s also a chance to finally catch a breath after all that hard work trying to make the roster. Sure, it’s a cutthroat process, but it’s also a time when dreams can come true if you make it through.
Making it through the cut-down process can mean the world to a player’s career. It’s a reward for all the hard work and determination they’ve put into making it to the NFL in the first place. Plus, it gives them a chance to finally prove themselves and get some recognition for their talents.
Making the final cuts can also cause a pretty intense problem for teams. There are a lot of guys in the league who won’t make it to the 53-man roster, which means that teams have to find a solution for those guys. It’s a dilemma that teams have to face every year come cut-down time.
The final moment of the cut-down process is always a tense one. Not only does it decide who gets to make the 53-man roster, but it’s also a chance for some players to shine and prove they deserve a spot. There’s always a lot of emotion going around. Fearful players anxious to know if they’ve made it, excited players ready to take the next step in their careers, and happy families cheering their sons on. No matter what happens, it’s always an exciting time.