Terry McLaurin talks after the first day of training camp

After the Washington Football Team completed their first training camp practice, No. 1 wide receiver Terry McLaurin met with the media.

One of the top topics of conversations was COVID-19 and vaccinations. McLaurin admitted he was vaccinated. While he respects the choice of every player’s choice to be vaccinated or not, McLaurin is going to do what he feels is best for the team.

Terry McLaurin on vax rate: “I’m vaccinated. … I think it comes down to everybody’s personal choice, but at the end of the day, as a leader, I just want to do what’s best for the team. But I do respect what everyone chooses.”

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 28, 2021

Washington coach Ron Rivera made headlines on Tuesday when he said he was “beyond frustrated” at the team’s low vaccination rate. Rivera referenced his own situation as a reminder. Rivera was diagnosed with cancer last year and went through treatments throughout the season.

In speaking about vaccines, McLaurin specifically mentioned his coach’s personal situation.

“We have to be mindful of that,” McLaurin said.

Terry McLaurin on players choosing their vaccination path knowing Rivera’s potentially compromised health situation: “We have to be mindful of that.” https://t.co/fEwjkx954J

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) July 28, 2021

McLaurin didn’t only talk about vaccines on Wednesday. he also spoke about his new quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick.

McLaurin said Fitzpatrick “empowers” teammates. He’s not a “rah-rah” guy, but when he makes a big play, you feel it. That comes from his experience, and McLaurin knows that if Fitz is telling you something, it’s for a good reason.

— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) July 28, 2021

McLaurin and Fitzpatrick connected multiple times on Wednesday, one of which was captured by Washington’s official Twitter account.

We can get used to this connection pic.twitter.com/7bmnHyMb0t

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) July 28, 2021

Finally, McLaurin talked about the offseason and what he worked on. One area of improvement for McLaurin was beating cornerbacks off the line.

Terry McLaurin says he’s worked hard on his release off the line in the offseason. pic.twitter.com/HU0SUHYD28

— John Keim (@john_keim) July 28, 2021

It was a good first day for McLaurin and Washington’s wide receivers.