When we look back on the state of the NFL, on the state of New York, on the state of the entire world any number of years from now, the image of Dave Gettleman slipping on a protective face mask will serve as an important image.
Although it initially caught some flak on social media from various football fans and entertainment personalities, Dave Gettleman explained why he wore a mask during the NFL Draft immediately after making his fourth overall selection.
A cancer survivor -- he was treated for lymphoma just two years ago -- Gettleman shared with ESPN that he was wearing the mask as an extra precautionary measure due to the presence of a young IT worker in his house. As we all know, coronavirus can still be present without any symptoms, and those with previous medical conditions can be more susceptible to the severe symptoms of the illness than others.
Wearing a mask was not just a precaution, but it was the perfectly sensible thing to do given the circumstances. Fortunately, Gettleman also told ESPN that he's "fine."
Obviously, those who made jokes or mocked Gettleman's actions didn't know of all the underlying reasons, but it still serves to show that in this time, no one can be too careful.
Down the road, the scene of Gettleman selecting his draft pick alone at his house and wearing a mask will serve as a reminder of the horrible time period we're currently experiencing, but (hopefully) also go to show that the more cautious and preemptive we are, the better we're able to fight through this crisis.
