FSU football: The importance of reaching 85 percent vaccination threshold

The last year and a half have affected FSU football in a myriad of ways. The Noles were one of the few teams in the country that hired a brand new coaching staff mere months before the COVID-19 pandemic changed how most of us live.

We’ve documented the coaching staff not having a normal condition to operate, no spring camp, summer workouts, and a modified fall camp put together right before the season began.

FSU players and coaches had to abide by strict protocols so they could practice and play games.

The Noles were successful in holding the COVID-19 off, aside from Mike Norvell testing positive before the Miami game.

However, it became increasingly difficult to fully practice and play games with contract tracing and players not being available to play, not to mention opposing teams having their issues with COVID(see Clemson) and forcing cancelations.

The Noles saw three of their final four games canceled due to COVID-19 issues.

Here we are a year and a half later, and COVID is still an issue. It’s why many coaches are pushing their players to get the vaccine that’s been available for months.

In the meantime, the ACC wants teams to have at least 85 percent of their players vaccinated, which would essentially prevent the cancellation of games due to relaxed protocols.

Mike Norvell has given his players the freedom to make their own choice about the vaccine while bringing in medical experts to help them make an informed decision.

FSU football was not one of the teams closest to reaching the 85 percent threshold. It’s one reason why Norvell brought people to speak to the players.

Mike Norvell spoke after Friday’s practice and said he felt confident the team would reach the 85 percent threshold by the Notre Dame game. Here’s why that’s incredibly important.