Since his inauguration, Donald Trump has made a series of controversial decisions, including the removal of DEI initiatives across the federal government, prompting many companies and organizations to follow suit. In contrast, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has publicly stated that the NFL will not backtrack on its diversity initiatives. “We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League,” Goodell said recently in a media session. “We’re going to continue those efforts because we’ve not only convinced ourselves, I think we’ve proven ourselves that it does make the NFL better. We’re not in this because it’s a trend to get in it or a trend to get out of it. Our efforts are fundamental in trying to attract the best possible talent into the National Football League.”
In light of Goodell’s statements, many were surprised when it was reported that the NFL would be removing ‘End Racism’ from the white paint in the end zone for the Super Bowl. The situation became even more intriguing when news emerged that Trump would be attending the Super Bowl, marking the first time a sitting President has ever attended the game, per Pro Football Talk. While there are no official reports linking the decision to remove ‘End Racism’ with Trump’s attendance, one can’t help but perceive this as a possible victory for Trump over Goodell.
Fans took to social media to express their thoughts on Trump’s attendance, with many speculating on the implications for the NFL’s decision. “So THAT’s why the ‘End Racism’ is really being removed,” one fan tweeted. Another remarked, “I guess now we know why they took out the ‘End Racism’ from the end zones… we don’t want to offend Fair Leader.” Similarly, another fan stated, “Now we know why the ‘End Racism’ signs have been removed from the end zone!” and yet another added, “Hence why the NFL is removing ‘End Racism’ from the end zone.” One user playfully questioned, “And this will be the first game since 2021 without the ‘End Racism’ logo on the end zone. Coincidence?” It will be interesting to see how much attention Trump gets during the FOX broadcast of the Super Bowl.
