New York, NY—-The NFL is continuing its commitment to social justice with its on-field messaging for a sixth consecutive season. This year, all 32 teams will feature one of four social justice messages in the end zones at every home game: “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love,” or “Inspire Change.” As in previous seasons, the phrase “It Takes All of Us” will be stenciled in the opposite end zone throughout the entire season. The only change for 2024 is the replacement of “Vote” with “Inspire Change.”
These messages will be a part of the league’s ongoing social responsibility campaigns, which include initiatives like Salute to Service and Crucial Catch. Each will be displayed during select weeks throughout the season.
Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, explained, “We’re working hand-in-hand with players and alongside our clubs to amplify player voices and underscore what is most important to them. For decades, the NFL has 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. This is a responsibility that the league takes seriously, and we continue to invest in programs that promote unity both on and off the field.”
For international games, “End Racism” and “It Takes All of Us” will continue to be featured in the end zones for the second straight year.
The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, will feature “Choose Love” in their season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 4, marking the start of the NFL’s 2025 season. Over the course of the season, the Eagles will rotate all four of the approved end zone messages.
“Choose Love” was first introduced in 2022 and has since become a meaningful message for the league, particularly after the tragic shooting at a Buffalo supermarket that killed 10 people. It has been widely embraced by players and fans alike.
“It has become a unifying message of healing and hope,” said Isaacson. “Many players have voluntarily worn it on their helmets as a symbol of solidarity.” Players will once again have the option to display one of these messages on their helmets throughout the season.
Since 2017, the NFL has allocated more than $460 million to grant partners and grassroots organizations through its Inspire Change initiative, supporting over 650 nonprofits and 2,100 players and alumni. These efforts focus on crucial issues like mentorship, workforce development, and food insecurity in underserved communities.
However, if the NFL is truly serious about inclusion and diversity, it needs to ensure that Black and independent media outlets receive the same access and treatment as mainstream media. Full access to the league’s events and content is crucial for these publications to report on issues of importance to marginalized communities, just as they do for major outlets. Equal representation and fair treatment are the next steps in ensuring the league’s efforts toward social justice are as inclusive as possible.
