NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he hopes to see stadiums across the league filled with fans once again. Last season, there were no or limited fans in venues due to the pandemic. For players, the strangeness of playing in empty stadiums could be a thing of the past.
Defensive end Nick Bosa only got to play one game at Levi's Stadium last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury during Week 2. He caught up with 49ers team reporter Keiana Martin and shared that he hopes to see fans again in 2021.
"It would mean a lot, really," Bosa said during a virtual one-on-one. "I only got one game at home without the fans, and it was really weird. I love to look back at the film and TV copies of our playoff run (from the 2019 season) and just seeing how involved the fanbase was. It really brings, I think, almost more than any other sport, it brings so much energy to the players.
"Yeah, I'm really, really hoping that we can get these vaccines going, and people feel comfortable to be back out there."
Bosa received a new teammate on Thursday night. The 49ers drafted quarterback Trey Lance of North Dakota State with the No. 3 overall pick. It wasn't that long ago that Bosa was a rookie. While he didn't know the selection at the time, the defender had some advice for the incoming rookie.
"Just get ready for a hectic year because the rookie year is probably the most hectic," Bosa said. "I think any player would tell you that. And it's going to be a quick turnaround. You're going to be in the city the day after, so just be ready for a quick turnaround.
"You're going to be at the facility working out with your class, so just be ready to go and just get focused now. But definitely enjoy it because it is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. You've got to enjoy it, for sure."
Oh, and don't worry, Trey. Bosa isn't allowed to hit you during practices.
