#Eagles’ Marquise Goodwin: COVID-19 doubters are ripping me for opt-out

Marquise Goodwin is facing backlash from “concerned” Eagles fans, who have criticized the speedy receiver for choosing his family’s safety over playing in the 2020 NFL season amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’ve gotten so many messages and @‘s from ‘concerned’ fans telling me how stupid I am and that this COVID-19 isn’t that serious,” the 29-year-old wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. “I bet my bank account that there are 150k dead people that would argue different. #CarryOn”

Goodwin is referencing the staggering 151,000 deaths attributed to the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, which has far eclipsed initial projections. The Texas native previously stated that his family was the driving force behind his decision.

“This right here? This is my reason, y’all,” he said in a video posted to Twitter on Tuesday while pointing to his infant daughter Marae, who was born in February. “She is the reason I am opting out for the season.

“After choosing football so many times, I feel like I’m inclined to make the right decision by finally choosing my family first, and that’s real talk.”

In 2019, Goodwin was a member of the 49ers squad that advanced to Super Bowl 54. He has caught 140 passes for 2,323 yards and 14 touchdowns since entering the league as the Bills’ 2013 third-round draft pick. He also competed in the 2012 Olympic Games in London representing the United States in the long jump.

Goodwin’s wife Morgan Goodwin-Snow struggled with conceiving and miscarried three times. They tragically lost a son born prematurely in 2017, the pain from which he described as “unbelievable.”

The NFL, as well as other leagues are taking numerous precautions in an attempt to ensure player safety, but recent outbreaks in MLB among the Marlins, Phillies and now Cardinals have left many wondering if bubble-less sports can be sustained.

“It’s known that the NFL is implementing safety protocols to combat the COVID pandemic as well as other professional sporting leagues,” Goodwin added. “I won’t take the chance of experiencing another loss because of my selfish decision making. I can’t do it. It’s not something I’m willing to live with, therefore I’ve chosen to opt out playing only for this season.”