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Adam Shaheen – August 7, 2021 Download PDF version

Saturday, August 7, 2021

TE Adam Shaheen

(How concerning was it to be on the COVID-19 list?) – “What do you mean by concerning? Can you elaborate on that? Like was I concerned for my healthy and safety? Not at all.”

(Were you asymptomatic? Did you feel fine?) – “I never had COVID. I never had COVID.”

(So you were just in the protocol? Just contact tracing?) – “Yes.”

(On your twitter profile, you say ‘I will not comply.’ Is the in reference to the vaccine?) – “No. It’s actually more of a – I’m a big gun guy. It’s more of a second amendment thing from one of my favorite YouTube channels. I know I think it was taken that way. It is what it is.”

(We definitely want to clear it up. Are you vaccinated?) – “No.”

(What went into that decision? And is there anything that would lead you to change your mind?) – “For me, it’s a personal choice and it’s bigger than just COVID. I’m not going to elaborate further on that. There is – the NFL has been trying to push it. It is no secret that they’ve been trying to push it on unvaccinated guys. I’m going to continue to go through the protocols of the unvaccinated that they make me do. I’m not going to get fined. But they are not going to strong-arm me into doing something for more freedom when this is such a changing atmosphere and they are already taking away freedoms of unvaccinated guys. This is just a changing environment and I’m going to take my hands off and follow the rules that they put in place for me. But they’re not gong to strong-arm myself into getting it, so no.”

(Do you feel any level of resentment or disappointment that they make it harder for you as an unvaccinated player?) – “Yes and no. This is a business and from their point of view, they want us to play all the games. Absolutely, I get that. They are trying to do everything they can. That being said, for us to go and push more protocols than we had last year is beyond me. But like I said, I’m going to do what they ask and require of me and that’s going to be that. We’ll take it one day at a time.”

(When we see something on Twitter we want to make sure we know exactly what you mean. On there you said something about somewhere without a mask – something like that. What is your belief about masks?) – “Belief about masks? Listen, I believe we live in the greatest nation on the earth. I think from the start, it’s been about people’s choice. If you want to wear a mask and protect yourself and those around you like they say, I’m all for it. No problem. If I don’t want to, I’m all for – It shouldn’t be – in my opinion, it shouldn’t be looked down upon when you don’t do one side or the other. I think that’s a part of what I alluded to earlier – part of the bigger problem with this entire thing. With that said, the same with the vaccine. I think it’s your choice and that’s really all I think that needs to be said. I’m sure that will – whatever. Anyways, do you guys have any questions about the offense?”

(How do you feel you’ve performed this spring and early summer?) – “I think we’ve put together – having more time with the OTAs and stuff, I think it was good for us. I think you can see us clicking a little bit more early on in training camp and hopefully we’re going to continue to build off of that going forward.”

(How do you feel about returning to Chicago next week? Obviously, it’s where you played.) – “I’m excited. I got traded here obviously right before training camp and I got the extension last year. I’m excited to go back up there and compete against the old stomping grounds and have fun with it.”

(With everybody back at tight end and the team drafting TE Hunter Long, are there going to be enough balls for the tight end room?) – “We have a lot of talent across the board – offensively, defensively. I think that’s why we’re out here in training camp right now is to earn those opportunities come the season.”

(Why do you think you’ve been able to make a home here, where you’ve gotten an extension; but it didn’t fly right in Chicago?) – “I’m never going to say anything bad about the Bears. I wasn’t available for them to – that was my problem because I wasn’t available. Now obviously getting down here, this is an unbelievable organization from top to bottom as far as everything they do. I think I came in, them helping me really take it slow coming off of a couple of injuries and getting going was paramount to my success. Continuing that and being as healthy as I really have been in my five years has been awesome.”

(Aside from your health, what are you doing better now?) – “I think for me, the game has slowed down completely. Like I said, this is year five, and it doesn’t feel as all over the place and lost as I was those first couple of years. I think it’s improvement and that’s a lot of credit to the organization and the coaches and how well they are doing for us as a staff.”

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