Miami Dolphins tight end says he won’t let NFL ‘strong-arm’ him into getting COVID-19 vaccine

Miami Dolphins tight end Adam Shaheen had a lot to say Saturday about his decision to not get a COVID-19 vaccine, explaining that he is not going to let the NFL “strong-arm” him into a decision.

“You know, for me it’s a personal choice and it’s bigger than just COVID,” Shaheen said. “I’m not going to elaborate further on that. The NFL is trying to push it. It’s no secret that they’ve been trying to push it on unvaccinated guys. You know what? I’m going to continue to go through the protocols of the unvaccinated that they make me do. I’m not going to get fined.

“But they’re not going to strong-arm me into doing something for more freedom when this is such a changing atmosphere and they’re already taking away freedoms of the unvaccinated guys. It was just a changing environment and, you know what, I’m going to keep my hands off and follow the rules that they put in place for me, but they’re not going to strong-arm myself into getting it. So, no.”

With virus cases rising in many states, there is an ongoing effort to get the vaccine distributed to as many people as possible. Despite that, several NFL players have been outspoken about their refusal to get the shot.

Shaheen just got off the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list after coming into contact with an individual who tested positive. His decision to remain unvaccinated will mean that he will have to continue to adhere to stricter protocols.

Shaheen is entering his second season with the Dolphins and his fifth year in the NFL. In the 2020 season, he caught 12 passes for 150 yards and three touchdowns. He is 26 years old.

Many folks around the league are growing increasingly frustrated with the number of players who remain unvaccinated. In addition to the obvious health risks, the league announced that teams may be forced to forfeit games impacted by COVID-19 this season if the game cannot be rescheduled.