Assistant coach for the Minnesota Vikings loses his job after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine

“The vaccine is required for all Tier 1 staff”:

Vikings offensive line coach/run game coordinator Rick Dennison is out after refusing to get a vaccine for COVID-19, per @CourtneyRCronin

The vaccine is required for all Tier 1 staff. pic.twitter.com/JG3gjib8D4

— Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 23, 2021

If he didn’t get the vaccine, “he wouldn’t be able to coach players on the field or in meeting rooms”:

Rick Dennison, a coach since 1995, knew the rules: Vaccination was required, or he wouldn’t be able to coach players on the field or in meeting rooms. His refusal ends up costing him a six-figure job

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) July 23, 2021

Dennison, 63, graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering and also played linebacker for the Denver Broncos from 1982-1990:

Rick Dennison is 63 years old. There is no universe in which getting vaccinated for Covid is riskier for him than actually catching Covid would be. Yet he's giving up a high-six-figure job because he won't get vaxxed. I'm sorry – that is absolutely nuts. https://t.co/RueePwg2zu

— James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) July 23, 2021

It looks like he’s the first assistant coach booted over the requirement:

Dennison is believed to be the first NFL position coach to part ways with his team after choosing not to receive a vaccine. https://t.co/W2EOe9AZnu

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) July 23, 2021

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