Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh wants offseason rules changed
Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh was forced to write an open letter to players after cornerback Tray Walker was critically injured last week, basically his only option since teams have limited contact with their players during the offseason.
He told reporters at the AFC coaches breakfast at the owners' meetings on Tuesday that he’d like to see those rules changed.
Walker, 23, suffered head and other injuries in a dirt bike accident in Miami on Thursday and died a day later. Harbaugh penned the letter to his players hours before Walker succumbed to those injuries.
Harbaugh said the team will charter a plane from Baltimore for players and staff who want to attend Walker’s funeral on Saturday.
Texans coach Bill O'Brien also asked for rule changes as it pertains to the offseason as well.
Teams have less contact with players than they did under the previous collective bargaining agreement. The NFLPA successfully bargained for five fewer weeks of offseason workouts and a reduction in organized team activities (OTAs) fro 14 to 10 days under the 10-year CBA ratified before the 2011 season.
Players are also can only work out in the team facility four days per week --- and not over the weekend --- during the offseason. Once workouts begin next month, the first two weeks can only be dedicated to strength and conditioning.