Indianapolis Colts running back is hopeful that players will be treated with respect no matter what vaccine choice they make.
Indianapolis Colts running back Nyheim Hines has something in common with every running back in the NFL or probably whoever played the game of football.
“I just want the ball no matter how I get it,” Hines said. “If it is a punt return, kick return, handoff, I don’t really care.”
Hines’ versatility will help in a crowded Colts backfield led by second-year superstar in the making Jonathan Taylor.
“The skies the limit for JT, he is a rising star,” Hines said. “I think he is going to take that next step this year, the game is going to slow down for him a little bit more. As a rookie each game he got better and better and he is going to understand what it is like to be in the NFL.”
Production on the field will hopefully be the focus for the Colts and the rest of the NFL this year after last year’s pandemic-challenged season. The NFL continues to apply pressure on both the players and organizations to make sure everyone has gotten the vaccine.
“As athletes, I hope that we have the support of our friends, family and coaches and the NFL no matter what decision we make,” Hines said.
Hines confirmed to FanSided that he is vaccinated, but also underlined that he is empathetic to other players who are hesitant.
“Whichever way it goes, if you want to get the vaccination, if you are on the fence or if you don’t want to get it, I hope that we have support from whoever it is,” Hines said.
It seems highly likely that players that who are on the NFL roster bubble will be more likely to make the team if they have the vaccine versus ones who decide not to. There are also unique situations to be considered.
“There is a guy on our team who had open heart surgery so he is scared what the vaccine can do,” Hines said. “Each person has different health precautions. I think every person’s reason to why they are getting vaccinated or why they are not is something we should take into account.”
Nyheim Hines is supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through the Jiffy Lube #Drive2DoMore campaign that supports research and care to fund treatments and find cures for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases.