GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 13: The Atlanta Falcons logo on a bag during the NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals on October 13, 2019 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Falcons become 1st NFL team with all players vaccinated

Icon Sportswire / Getty

The Atlanta Falcons are the NFL's first team to have a 100% vaccination rate among players, the club announced Monday.

There are 28 teams above the 85% threshold, including 15 above 95%.

The NFL and NFLPA have strongly encouraged players to get vaccinated. The league updated its COVID-19 protocols earlier this offseason, easing the restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals. Those players won't undergo daily testing or be forced to quarantine following exposure to the virus.

A league spokesperson also recently said the NFL will fine unvaccinated players $14,650 any time they aren't wearing a mask or are breaking COVID-19 protocols.

Multiple players have criticized the changes this year. Several players have also refused to reveal their vaccination status.

The Minnesota Vikings placed three quarterbacks - including Kirk Cousins - on the COVID-19 list on July 31 after rookie signal-caller Kellen Mond tested positive. The NFL requires a five-day quarantine for unvaccinated players deemed a high-risk close contact.

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