Are NFL OTAs open to the public? Breaking down league's rules for preseason training

Monday is the first day of many clubs' 10-day Organized Team Activities (OTAs). They provide fans the chance to witness their favorite teams' entire rosters, including rookies, free agents and returning veterans, practicing together in real drills.

Teams practice their final round of drills before their mandatory minicamp during OTAs. Minicamps and OTAs are regarded as the third phase of the offseason.

It should be mentioned that neither public attendance nor live streaming are available for OTAs. While teams may decide to share specific highlights for fans to comment on, live public watching of OTAs or minicamps is not permitted.

However, according to rules, one of every three OTA days must be witnessed by the teams' local media outlets, meaning that every mandatory minicamp practice will be covered by the media.

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Can NFL players be fined for missing OTAs?

OTAs are a three-week period in late May and early June that are a part of the NFL's offseason schedule.

They are subject to certain limitations, though: 10 days of on-field drills consisting solely of helmet-only position drills. Additionally, live contacts are not allowed during these OTAs.

Although players must attend minicamps, they are not required to attend OTAs, and as a result, they cannot be penalized for missing them.

The collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players' union specifies the rules for Organized Team Activities. The players came to an agreement that say that the offseason workouts would be entirely voluntary. It's not mandatory for players to appear, nor are they required to provide an explanation for their absence.

However, next month's three-day minicamp is mandatory. Thus, players risk a punishment of up to $80,000 for missing practice without permission. Also, improper absences can cost players up to $40,000 per day once training camps start in July.

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Which teams are starting their OTAs today?

Football is almost back. Twenty-one NFL clubs have begun OTAs on Monday; the remaining teams will follow later this month. The NFL teams listed below are the ones that began OTAs on Monday:

Arizona Cardinals

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Green Bay Packers

Tennessee Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New York Giants

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tennessee Titans