There’s no stopping the NFL from going back to its pre-pandemic setup.
After canceling the bubble-like setup during the scouting combine, several league reporters and insiders are thrilled to have their locker room access back.
COVID-19 prevented them from going directly to the source immediately after a game as part of the league’s health and safety protocols.
But now, authorized media professionals will have access to the locker room, giving them more opportunities to build stories and get inside scoops.
Even former NFL players like Mitchell Schwartz is applauding the re-opening of the locker room to the media.
A very good change back. Open access means media members get to form better relationships (and friendships) with players, which leads to better stories and info. Also they can take the pulse of the locker room (esp after big games) and sense the emotion in the room. Love this. https://t.co/11o8eJ0k6a
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) March 30, 2022
In response to the announcement by Steve Wyche, Schwartz said, “A very good change back. Open access means media members get to form better relationships (and friendships) with players, which leads to better stories and info. Also, they can take the pulse of the locker room (esp after big games) and sense the emotion in the room. Love this.”
NFL players have no choice but to deal with the media in a professional manner unless they have no qualms about paying hefty fines.
Now that the media men can enter one of the stadium’s most sacred areas, they must be ready for the hoard of reporters in their face, especially after a loss.
Good Relationships Lead To Great Stories
Players are people too, and they tend to open up to people they trust.
That’s why reporters that have strong friendships with players and coaches get exclusive stories.
As always, football fans enjoy better write-ups that keep them engaged, entertained, and informed.
More importantly, reporters get to relay the locker room’s atmosphere in real-time through social media.
Opening up the locker room will give media professionals limitless ways to perform their duty well.
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