NFL will introduce new measures to highlight social justice this fall
Posted July 16, 2021 11:28 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – When the NFL season kicks off this fall, we will see some significant changes off the field.
Football players are being given more freedom to promote social justice.
The NFL has been notoriously stuffy when it comes to allowing its players to express themselves. Changes this season include letting athletes include messaging on their helmets and cleats.
The league will promote social justice messaging and programs via on-field signage, decals, and in-stadium PSAs, and also plans to have the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” performed at the majority of the marquee games. The song is often referred to as the Black national anthem.
Last year, the NFL announced a 10-year, $250-million commitment to combat systemic racism. It said the money and plan would support “the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans.”
The league added it would “work collaboratively with NFL players to support programs to address criminal justice reform, police reforms, and economic and educational advancement.”
Changes being brought in this fall are a welcome change of pace for the league, which has been criticized for its handling of race.
The NFL came under fire for its treatment of Colin Kaepernick, who took a knee during the national anthem to take a stand against police brutality and racial injustice in 2016.
The league has been trying to turn around its ratings, which plummeted for the first time in three years.
