Heading into the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals and National Football League’s seasons. The biggest victory for the Bengals and other teams is happening beyond the field. It’s a victory that sets an example for the nation.

Amid several weeks of rough national headlines. From the brutal end of the war in Afghanistan. The devastation of Hurricane Ida in Louisiana and much of the East Coast. COVID-19’s delta variant wreaking havoc in various places. Disrupting hopes of a summer free of widespread worrying over the virus. Plus, Saturday marking the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. America could use something to boost our national spirit.

The start of the NFL’s 2021 season could be a boost. Not just because the nation’s most popular major league is back. Their high league-wide vaccination rate is something to celebrate too. During Labor Day weekend, it was reported that 93% of players are at least partially vaccinated. The Cincinnati Bengals hit the 90% mark in July.

Compare this to the 73% of Americans aged 12 and older that are partially vaccinated. Even the Bengals season-opening opponents, the Minnesota Vikings are outpacing the national average. According to a September 5th report from VikingsWire, the Vikings have an 81.2% vaccine rate. That’s remarkably low by the league’s standards. The Vikings went into August with one of the league’s lowest vaccination rates.

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has become among the league’s most high-profile un-vaccinated QB’s. Joining Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who survived being infected with COVID-19 twice. Along with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz. Now part of a carousel of Colts quarterbacks since Andrew Luck’s retirement. One wonders if a sense of false invincibility is part of the problem for these QB’s. One also wonders if these quarterbacks figure they’re professionally indispensable. Simply because they’re the first string quarterback.

Cam Newton recently found out that nobody’s professionally indispensable in the NFL. Newton was cut by the New England Patriots last week. After missing part of training camp due to violating COVID-19 team protocols. Giving Mac Jones an opportunity to shine under center in Newton’s absence. While questions and uncertainty swirled regarding Newton’s vaccination status.

Given the Bengals injury issues in recent years. It’s unsurprising to see them have such a high team-wide vaccination rate.

Why would Joe Burrow risk a serious COVID-19 bout? After his rookie season was cut short by an ACL injury.

Why would any Bengals rookie risk it? After all, Burrow is among the most recent Bengals first round draft picks to miss at least part of their rookie season due to an injury.

Why would Zac Taylor risk having COVID-19 be a major factor for the team? Given he’s already on the hot seat for reasons that have nothing to do with the virus.

In my opinion, America rises to challenges best when a sense of individual and collective duty match. That happened during World War II, when the nation mobilized to take on the war. From serving in uniform to growing victory gardens. Everyone had a role to play in the war effort. On and after 9/11, the nation mourned and felt collectively violated.

That kind of collective spirit hasn’t fully materialized with COVID-19. Instead of the nation rallying to take on the biggest health crisis of our lives to date. The pandemic has unfortunately become another red vs. blue scream fest for far too many. We’re seeing individual interests match with a sense of collective duty in the NFL. Through the league’s vaccination efforts heading into this season.

There’s individual and collective incentives to get vaccinated. To protect yourself from getting hospitalized with a serious case of COVID-19. The more people get vaccinated, the less of a severe threat the virus becomes in communities. To most NFL players, COVID-19 could be seen as a professional inconvenience. Un-vaccinated players face more rigorous testing compared to their vaccinated peers. While outbreaks fueled by un-vaccinated players could cost teams a win a paycheck.

Though Urban Meyer was the only NFL head coach to publicly admit it. Un-vaccinated players likely made it easier for coaches to narrow their rosters down to 53. The NFL provides an example for other employers and individuals. It’s worthwhile to remember that there aren’t many routes into the NFL. Though there are many routes out of the league and the high paychecks it provides.

Every play carries the risk of ending with a career-ending injury. Unlike the NHL or MLB, there’s no deep minor league system to land into. With this in mind, most players will take precautions to avoid risking their careers. People in other lines of work will operate with that mindset. If employers take the initiative to showcase the benefits of being vaccinated. Along with the tangible downside of not being vaccinated. Some are experiencing the downsides of not being vaccinated the hard way. They’re in hospitals fighting for their lives against a virus that doesn’t care what we think.