2020 NFL Draft to go on as scheduled
On Thursday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to all 32 NFL teams that said the 2020 NFL Draft would go on as scheduled from April 23-25.
During a meeting with the Commissioner's Executive Committee, Goodell said the decision was "unanimous and unequivocal" that the 2020 draft would more forward as originally slated.
"Apart from the CEC, I have personally discussed this matter with many other owners, club executives and coaches, and there is widespread support for the CEC's conclusion," Goodell said in the memo. "Everyone recognizes that public health conditions are highly uncertain and there is no assurance that we can select a different date and be confident that conditions will be significantly more favorable than they are today. I also believe that the draft can serve a very positive purpose for our clubs, our fans, and the country at large, and many of you have agreed.
"Because of the unique circumstances in our country today, the 2020 Draft will obviously need to be conducted in a different way. Already, we have cancelled all public events, we will not be bringing prospects and their families to the Draft, and the draft itself will be conducted and televised in a way that reflects current conditions.
"Our staff is certainly mindful of the operational issues this presents, and our top priority is putting in place procedures that allow all clubs to operate on a level playing field so that the draft is conducted in a way that is competitively fair to all clubs. All clubs should now be doing the necessary planning to conduct draft operations in a location outside of your facility, with a limited number of people present, and with sufficient technology resources to allow you to communicate internally, with other clubs, and with draft headquarters."
Reports: Giants agree to terms with DL Austin Johnson
The Giants and defensive lineman Austin Johnson have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, according to a report by Dan Duggan of The Athletic.
The agreement is contingent on Johnson passing his physical, which will take place on a date yet to be determined.
Johnson, 6-4 and 314 pounds, played his first four NFL seasons for the Tennessee Titans, who selected him in the second round of the 2016 draft (43rd overall) from Penn State. He has played in 58 regular-season games with 13 starts and in five postseason games with one start. Johnson did not mis a game in any of the previous three seasons.
His career regular-season statistics include 82 tackles (45 solo), 2.5 sacks and five passes defensed. He has five tackles (three solo) and one passed defensed in the playoffs.
Johnson is the ninth free agent that played for another team in 2019 that has reportedly agreed to terms with the Giants. The others are cornerback James Bradberry (Carolina), linebacker Blake Martinez and Kyler Fackrell (both Green Bay), tight end Levine Toilolo (San Francisco), tackle Cam Fleming (Dallas), safety/special teams standout Nate Ebner (New England), quarterback Colt McCoy (Washington) and running back Dion Lewis (Tennessee).
View photos of defensive lineman Austin Johnson.
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) is sacked by Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Austin Johnson (94) during a 2018 NFL week 9 regular season game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (James D. Smith via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Austin Johnson (94) pass rushes during a Week 15 NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers, December 17, 2017 in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Titans 25-23. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Austin Johnson (94) rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers defeated the Titans 30-20. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov.10, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 35-32. (Paul Abell via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) talks to teammates on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) gets set in a three point stance during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the NFL AFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, MO. The Chiefs defeated the Titans 35-24. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson plays against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) lines up against Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Austin Johnson runs off the field against the Los Angeles Chargers during a NFL football game, Sunday Oct. 20, 2019 in Nashville. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) stands on the field during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) pressures Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019 in Atlanta. The Titans won 24-10. (Paul Abell via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) takes the field with two Marines before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) and defensive end Matt Dickerson (92) set up for a play at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) celebrates after a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016. The Jaguars won 38-17. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016. The Jaguars won 38-17. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) celebrates after a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) runs a drill during NFL football minicamp Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes under pressure from Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (7) looks over at Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) after Fairbairn missed a 28-yard field goal attempt in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) is surrounded by condensation before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec.10, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Condensation rises from the Tennessee Titans players including nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Tennessee Titans safety Johnathan Cyprien (37), linebacker Avery Williamson (54) and defensive end Austin Johnson (94) stop San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during a Week 15 NFL game, December 17, 2017 in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Titans 25-23. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) laughs with assistant defensive line coach Keith Willis as they leave the field during NFL football training camp Sunday, July 31, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) lifts a medicine ball during an NFL football practice Wednesday, June 1, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) runs in pursuit as he is blocked by Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz (71) during an NFL AFC wild card playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. The Titans won 22-21. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Austin Johnson (94) runs in pursuit during a week 1 preseason NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 27-10. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) carries the ball as Titans defenders Derrick Morgan (91) Avery Williamson (54) Austin Johnson (94) look to make the tackle during a week 17 NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans beat the Texans 24-17. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson leaves the field after an NFL football training camp Sunday, July 31, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) runs a drill during NFL football rookie minicamp Friday, May 13, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) watches from the sidelines in an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 in Nashville, Tenn. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) runs in pursuit during an NFL AFC wild card playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. The Titans won 22-21. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) has a hearty laugh on the sideline during the 2017 NFL week 9 regular season football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won the game 23-20. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Austin Johnson (94) looks up from the sideline with his helmet off during the NFL AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, January 6, 2018 in Kansas City. The Titans won the game 22-21. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) jogs off the field during the 2017 NFL week 9 regular season football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won the game 23-20. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson leaves the field after an NFL football training camp Sunday, July 31, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, September 10, 2017, in Nashville, TN. The Raiders won 26-16. (Paul Abell via AP)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL AFC divisional playoff football game against the New England Patriots on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Ohio State Ezekiel Elliott (15) is stopped by Penn State defenders Austin Johnson (99), Troy Reeder (42), and Jason Cabina (40) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Penn State 38-10. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson performs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson performs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
San Diego State quarterback Maxwell Smith (17) looks to pass under pressure from Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson performs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) in action against the Georgia Bulldogs in the TaxSlayer Bowl, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016 in Jacksonville, Fla. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Penn State defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) sacks Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock (15) and forces a fumble during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015. Penn State recovered the fumble. Michigan won 28-16. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Northwestern running back Warren Long (13) is taken down by Penn State defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) during an NCAA college football game against Penn State in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)
Penn State defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) returns a fumble by San Diego State quarterback Maxwell Smith for a touchdown with San Diego State offensive lineman Robert Craighead (53) in pursuit during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. Penn State won 37-21. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Penn State defensive end Carl Nassib, left, linebacker Jason Cabinda (40) and defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) celebrate with teammate Garrett Sickels, second from left, after he intercepted a pass attempt by Maryland quarterback Perry Hills, bottom right, in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, in Baltimore. Penn State won 31-30. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Penn State defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) comes off the ball against Indiana offensive lineman Wes Martin (76) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015. Penn State won 29-7. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Penn State defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) celebrates as he scores a touchdown after recovering a fumble by San Diego State quarterback Maxwell Smith during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. Penn State won 37-21. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson competes in the 40 yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Penn State defensive tackle Anthony Zettel (98) and defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) in pursuit during an NCAA college football game against Buffalo in State College, Pa, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson performs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Penn State defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) celebrates as he scores a touchdown after recovering a fumble by San Diego State quarterback Maxwell Smith during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. Penn State won 37-21. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pen State's Austin Johnson walks off the field following an NCAA college football game against Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012. Nebraska won 32-23. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Vote for the greatest game in Giants history
The New York Giants launched its 2020 Bracket Challenge, which will let fans decide on the greatest game in franchise history. You can watch all the games on the Giants YouTube Channel and then go vote on Twitter.
NFL family makes initial donations of more than $35 million to provide relief for those impacted by COVID-19
The National Football League announced today that in collaboration with the National Football League Players Association, clubs, owners and players, more than $35 million has been donated to date, including $3.4M from the NFL Foundation as part of the COVID-19 relief efforts.
The 10 organizations receiving donations are: American Red Cross, Bob Woodruff Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, CDC Foundation, GENYOUth Foundation, Meals on Wheels America, Salvation Army, Team Rubicon, United Way and Wounded Warrior Project (organization descriptions below). For more information and to donate visit nfl.com/COVID19Relief.
"We have all been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, we need to unify to stay home and stay strong," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "The NFL will continue to find ways to give our support so we can get through this time of uncertainty together."
In addition to these initial donations, the NFL family has come together to #StayHomeStayStrong to help limit the spread of COVID-19 across the country. As part of this effort, over 50 NFL players, coaches, and Legends have united to create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to share with fans about the strength they are finding in staying at home. The league is also inviting the country to #NFLPLAY60 at home during this time to get their 60 minutes of exercise each day alongside the NFL.
Last week, the NFL launched a series of free digital learning and wellness resources for students, parents and teachers by teaming up with charitable partners such as the American Heart Association and United Way. These resources can be shared broadly and are currently housed on http://www.nfl.com/play60.
Since late January, NFL Auction has been hosting a coronavirus auction to benefit the CDC Foundation and World Health Organization, first for China-specific efforts and now U.S.-based ones. Fans can bid on autographed and game-used memorabilia and special experiences.
As part of the NFL Draft, taking place April 23-25, the NFL is working on a broad plan to incorporate philanthropy and fundraising to provide additional help for those significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
During this global public health emergency, the NFL continues to closely coordinate with all 32 teams, public health authorities, as well as community and philanthropic partners on additional opportunities to offer support to those who most need it during this unprecedented time.
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