Detroit Lions defensive tackle John Atkins has become the team's first player to voluntarily opt out of the 2020 NFL season, according to an ESPN report.
More than 30 players across the league have selected to not participate in the upcoming season, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. That group includes several big names, from former Lions offensive lineman Larry Warford to Patriots starters Patrick Chung, Dont'a Hightower and Marcus Cannon.
Players have until seven days after the league's new collective bargaining agreement has been signed to opt out.