Credited from: CBSNEWS
Key Takeaways:
For the first time since 2021, the Super Bowl will not feature the "End Racism" slogan in the end zones. Instead, the NFL has decided to stencile the phrases "Choose Love" and "It Takes All of Us" at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans for its 59th edition, as confirmed by NFL spokesman USA Today. This decision comes on the heels of various tragedies in the United States, including wildfires, terrorist attacks, and aviation disasters. McCarthy elaborated that “the Super Bowl is often a snapshot in time and the NFL is in a unique position to capture and lift the imagination of the country.”
The change is part of the NFL's broader “Inspire Change” initiative, aimed at promoting social justice and community unity since its inception in 2020. While teams have utilized various slogans during the regular season to convey messages of social importance, the choice for the Super Bowl is made at the league level. The Kansas City Chiefs recently used "Choose Love" during the AFC championship, while the Philadelphia Eagles opted for "End Racism" in the NFC championship game, as reported by AP News.
Date of the announcement also coincided with President Donald Trump’s planned attendance at the Super Bowl for the first time as a sitting president, stirring debates about his influence on the NFL and its messaging choices. However, two insiders to the league pointed out that Trump's presence was not linked to the decision concerning the “End Racism” slogan. HuffPost also noted responses from players and league officials regarding retaining the integrity of diversity efforts amidst political scrutiny.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reaffirmed the league's commitments to diversity and inclusion initiatives, stating, “We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League, and we’re going to continue those efforts because they make the NFL better.” Goodell went on to clarify that the NFL's policies regarding diversity are consistent and will not be swayed by changing political climates.
The decision not to display the "End Racism" message at Super Bowl 59 is indeed a significant moment in sports history, as the NFL navigates the complexities of social justice and community representation. The implications of this decision and Trump's attendance will undoubtedly be analyzed in the broader context of societal attitudes towards race, inclusion, and sports.
For further details, you can read more from CBS News and The Hill.