66 players opt out of NFL season due to coronavirus pandemic

FILE - In this Sept. 16, 2018, file photo, New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) watches from the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla. Hightower might be the most accomplished player to opt out of the season because of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

FILE - In this Oct. 21, 2019, file photo, New York Jets inside linebacker C.J. Mosley warms up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in East Rutherford, N.J. Mosley has chosen to opt out for the NFL season because of family health concerns, two people familiar with the decision tell The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 16, 2020, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs running back Damien Williams addresses the media during an NFL football news conference at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Damien Williams is opting out of playing in the upcoming season (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

FILE - In this Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 file photo, Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) reacts against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. Justin Simmons had an eventful offseason, finding his voice during peaceful protests of racial and social injustice from his hometown in Florida to downtown Denver. The fifth-year safety and first-time All-Pro also failed to reach agreement on a long-term contract with the Broncos, so he's playing under the franchise tag in 2020.(AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)