Kentucky star Chris Rodriguez gets vaccinated "For The Team"

Entering his highly anticipated fourth season at the University of Kentucky, Chris Rodriguez is prepared to run over opponents, rack up yards and remain COVID-19 free. The star running back revealed Tuesday afternoon that he was initially reluctant, but ultimately opted to get vaccinated “For the Team.”

“Getting the vaccine feels like I’m signing my life away. But aye #ForTheTeam,” he Tweeted.

At SEC Media Days we learned that Kentucky was not one of the six SEC teams with at least 80% of its players vaccinated.

“We have a ways to go but I believe it’s attainable,” Stoops said. “We want them to make the right decisions for themselves. I’ll let the experts come in and continue to educate them and talk to them about the benefits of it and possibly some of the negatives and let each of them make their own decision.”

The biggest benefit for players? Being able to play. SEC commission Greg Sankey said that teams may have to forfeit games if a COVID-19 outbreak forces too many players into quarantine. Last year contact tracing sidelined Rodriguez against Florida and Alabama, two of the biggest games of the year. He’s willing to make the small sacrifice to ensure he’s on the field for every game this fall.

Also i was not forced to get it. I got it because i wanted to. I missed 2 of the biggest games last year. I say #ForTheTeam because if i miss a game I’m letting them down.

— Chris Rodriguez Jr (@CROD_JR) August 3, 2021

Despite the two absences, he finished sixth in the SEC in rushing yards (785) and tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns (11). Rodriguez led the league in yards per carry with 6.6 per attempt to earn PFF Second Team All-American Honors. The media voted Rodriguez as a Second Team Preseason All-SEC selection.

Every player in the SEC must weigh the risks versus the rewards when deciding to get vaccinated ahead of the 2021 college football season. As Stoops acknowledged in his remarks, it’s a personal decision, but it’s one that affects the entire team. Nick Saban summarized it best.

“So every player has a personal decision to make to evaluate the risk of COVID relative to vaccine, and then they have a competitive decision to make on how it impacts their ability to play in games, because with the vaccine you probably have a better chance,” Saban said. “Without it, you have a lesser chance that something could happen, a bigger chance that something could happen that may keep you from being on the field, which doesn’t enhance your personal development.”

Rodriguez is willing to do whatever it takes, even if that means getting a couple shots in his arm, to be at his best this fall For The Team.