Colts: DeForest Buckner’s comments on vaccine should set example

The Indianapolis Colts are returning to Grand Park for training camp this offseason, and fans will be allowed to attend with zero capacity restrictions.

That long-awaited good news was followed by an even bigger announcement, as Indy confirmed Lucas Oil Stadium was given the green light to return to full capacity after a maximum of just 10,000 fans were permitted inside last season.

It’s difficult to put into words how awesome it is to see that (mostly) everything is opening back up again. Last year was all-time bad for a lot of people around the country and seeing 63,000 screaming fans back inside Lucas Oil can’t come soon enough.

You know what would make all of it even more worthwhile, though? If the Colts started doing their part regarding the NFL’s recommended team vaccination rate.

We’ll provide some context in a little bit. For now, however, let’s hope Indy follows in DeForest Buckner’s footsteps, because during a recent interview the star defensive tackle said getting the vaccine was a pretty easy decision to make.

DeForest Buckner’s comments on getting vaccinated should set an example.

Buckner made an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show” recently, and the former first-round selection was adamant about why he decided to get vaccinated.

"“Going through all those protocols; testing every day, having that social distancing, the virtual stuff, wearing a mask every day in the facility — I was just tired of it. I just wanted to go about my daily life and try to have some type of normalcy,” Buckner said.“There’s obviously perks and setbacks with the rules and regulations that the league is coming out with, with being vaccinated and not being vaccinated. I just thought mentally, for me, it was the right decision for myself.”"

It’s mind-blowing to think every player on the Colts doesn’t have a similar mindset, but getting vaccinated is a personal decision, so we’ll leave it at that. Just know the team, as of two weeks ago, was below the 50% mark.

For Indianapolis’ sake, all we can do is hope that more players start receiving the vaccine after realizing how much easier it’ll make their lives in 2021.

Per the protocols, fully vaccinated players won’t get tested daily, won’t be subject to a quarantine period after being exposed to an individual that contracted COVID-19, won’t have any travel restrictions, and will not have to wear masks/face coverings at team facilities. They can also use the sauna, steam room and eat in the team cafeteria.

It’s also worth speculating whether a leader like Buckner getting vaccinated could change his teammates’ minds. After all, if anyone can speak to the trials and tribulations that come with landing on the COVID-19 reserve list, it’s Buckner, who tested positive mid-season last year.

At the very least, Buckner’s comments should set an example for the team. If they come up short in that regard, well, the Colts better be prepared to deal with consequences.

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