With Donald Trump securing a second non-consecutive term as President of the United States, his administration has seen many of America’s wealthiest and most influential figures conforming to his authority. Now, it appears the NFL might follow suit by quietly sidelining its “End Racism” initiative.
In a move that raises eyebrows regarding its timing, the New York Times reports that the NFL will not showcase the “End Racism” message in one of the Super Bowl endzones this year. Instead, the league has opted for “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us.” This marks a shift from the last three Super Bowls, where “End Racism” was prominently displayed.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy stated that this decision followed recent tragedies such as the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans, the deadly wildfires in LA, and a tragic plane crash in Washington D.C. However, with the second Trump Administration’s critique of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and Trump’s expected attendance at the game as a guest of New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson, the implications of this switch are significant.
The change, communicated internally to top executives earlier this week, could be viewed as a reflection of the present political climate. Many organizations are now retreating from their DEI commitments, following Trump’s administration. While Goodell expressed pride in the league’s diversity initiatives, the decision to shift away from “End Racism” raised concerns among high-ranking officials.
McCarthy emphasized the sensitivity around recent national tragedies influenced the messaging choice, asserting that “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us” would resonate more in light of recent events. Notably, these phrases were also featured during the AFC Championship Game, while “End Racism” was retained for the NFC Championship Game.
Sources within the league confirmed that Trump’s attendance is anticipated during the Super Bowl, which adds to the controversy surrounding these messaging changes.
This decision is particularly intriguing considering NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s staunch support for the league’s DEI initiatives during his recent press conference. He stated, as other companies abandoned their DEI efforts out of fear of backlash from the Trump administration:
“We engaged in diversity efforts because it was the right thing for the National Football League. We will continue these efforts as we believe they enhance the NFL. This is not a trend for us; it’s fundamental in attracting the best talent, both on and off the field, and reflects our fanbase, communities, and players.”
While it’s possible the NFL is genuinely choosing messages that they feel suit the current climate, it’s hard to ignore the potential backlash from Trump, who has criticized the league and its players for various social justice stances in the past, including during Colin Kaepernick’s protests against racial inequality.
Ultimately, there are complex discussions to be had regarding the impact of the NFL’s social justice messaging in recent years, particularly surrounding slogans like “End Racism.” However, this Super Bowl signals a move away from controversy, as the NFL appears to sidestep the ongoing anti-DEI sentiment of the current Trump administration.
