July 2020 news roundup
A lot happens on a daily basis in the football world. Sometimes it's hard to keep up as a one man operation, so I've decided the best way to handle it would be to introduce a new feature: monthly news updates. At the end of each month, I will create a post summarizing the football news from that month. Here is the first addition:
COVID-19 impact updates through July 10 can be found here
NFL
The Kansas City Chiefs signed QB Patrick Mahomes to a massive, yet team-friendly contract extension. He's already making some big time investments.
The Patriots signed Cam Newton
The team formerly known as the "Redskins" will go by "The Washington Football Team" in 2020. It is not considered the permanent new name.
The NFL has made some changes to the beginning stages of the 2020 season. Training camp rosters will be trimmed form 90 players to 80 or a team can choose to split the roster into 2 separate groups of 45. There will be NO preseason games.
Antonio Brown has once again been suspended.
Players have begun opting out of the 2020 season because of COVID. Chiefs lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was the first.
Players paticipating in 2020 are going through daily COVID testing. Those who test positive or have come in close contact with a positive case will be placed on a reserve list.
ESPN reportedly has found its new Monday Night Football team.
The Buccaneers added another weapon to their already lethal offense.
Joe Burrow and more rookies have signed their first contracts.
The 49ers have extended the contract of general manager John Lynch.
Joey Bosa got a mega contract extension from the Chargers.
The Jets traded All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to Seattle for a HAUL.
Alex Smith was cleared by a doctor to return to Washington, but has not yet passed all the physical requirements of the team.
The Giants released kicker Aldrick Rosas after he was arrested for hit-and-run.
Veteran guard Kelechi Osemele has signed with Kansas City.
The Bears have traded TE Adam Shaheen to the Dolphins.
Former All-Pro DE Michael Bennett has retired.
NCAA
The PAC-12 and SEC have announced 10 game conference-only football schedule in 2020, kicking off September 26.
Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley has opted out of the 2020 season.
Notre Dame will be a part of the ACC this season and be eligible to play in the conference title game.
Several Big Ten schools had COVID outbreaks. Rutgers has apparently traced theirs back to an on-campus party.
Indiana has resumed its offseason after a 2 week pause.
After initially having a high number of COVID cases, Clemson had none in the latest testing wave.
The NCAA will allow athletes to wear uniform patches for social justice causes
Oklahoma's Lincoln Riley has been given a contract extension. The Sooners have also moved their first game up to August 29.
Miami has named a former Houston star its starter at QB for 2020
The Big Ten is expected to announce its new 2020 schedule soon.
If you like to follow recruiting, you can find the commitments made so far here.