NFLPA Warns Unsigned Rookies About Mini-Camp Injury Protection

The first two weekends after the NFL Draft are exciting times for NFL clubs. This is when most teams hold their first minicamp practices, and it provides the initial opportunity for veteran players and coaches to see the rookies in action. But before they practice in this three-day event, players must make sure they are protected–should they become injured while playing.

All the players on a club will participate in the minicamp. For veteran players, this one minicamp is the only mandatory activity that takes place during the offseason, although most veteran players also participate in the voluntary offseason workout program to some extent. Clubs that hire a new coach may hold two additional voluntary minicamps, while rookies may be asked to participate in an unlimited number of minicamps.

Players under contract who are injured during the minicamp are entitled to the protections of their NFL player contracts, which include the right to medical care and continued salary payments for as long as they remain injured during that season. Players not signed to a contract, which includes that vast majority of rookie players, should sign a workout agreement with their club to obtain the same protections of the player contract. The workout agreement, which is individually negotiated with the NFL club, provides that if the player sustains an injury in the minicamp he will be covered as if he was injured while performing under an NFL player contract, including the right to medical care and a salary guarantee for injury.

“Any player being asked to participate in offseason activity, including the minicamps, should demand that the club agree to the protections contained in a workout agreement before committing to participate,” said NFLPA Staff Counsel/Regional Director Tom DePaso. “The higher the draft choice the more you have to lose by not doing so.” The NFLPA has draft language to help a player and his agent in negotiating the language for this document.

So while rookies may be overjoyed with the anticipation of playing for an NFL club, they should temper their enthusiasm until they have obtained the appropriate protection for injury, DePaso warned. “The next few weeks will not only give rookies the thrill of competing for the first time in an NFL practice, but it will also give them their first taste of negotiations as they bargain with clubs through their agents to obtain these contractual protections. Welcome to the business of the NFL.”

- NFL Players.com