This past February, the NFL announced that it was removing the “End Racism” messaging from end zones in the Super Bowl, a decision that came after the new administration was put in the White House.
The League was removing that message in favor of “Choose Love” and “It Takes All Of Us”.
“We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at the time. “And we’re going to continue those efforts, because we’ve not only convinced ourselves we’ve proven it to ourselves — it does make the NFL better.”
While the impact was not measurable, the decision was met with mixed reactions.
Some felt it was a slap in the face and a kowtow to Tr**p and the MAGA followers in Louisiana, which is where the Super Bowl was being held. Others felt the messaging had gone stale.
Well earlier today, the NFL announced that the end zone messaging was returning this season, and with it includes the “End Racism.”
“We’re working hand-in-hand with players, and alongside our clubs, to amplify player voices and underscore what is most important to them,” Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, told The Associated Press. “For decades, the NFL and its players have been a unifying force in American culture and society that brings people of all cultures and backgrounds together to enjoy America’s most popular sport.”
So for the sixth straight season, all 32 teams will have choice of the following stencil options throughout the season: “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love,” or “Inspire Change,” the latter which replaces the “Vote” message of 2024.
