The social justice messages stenciled behind the NFL end zones, which sparked speculation after the league chose not to display “End Racism” during the Super Bowl in February, are making a comeback this season. “End Racism” will be featured on one end zone at every NFL game, with the opposite end zone showing the message “We all need it.”
Before Super Bowl LIX, the NFL’s decision to remove the “End Racism” slogan led some to believe it was an effort to appease President Donald Trump and his stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in government and education. Trump attended the Super Bowl in person, invited by Gale Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints.
At the 2024 Super Bowl, the messages read “choice” on one end zone and “it’s all about us taking all of us” on the other. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy denied any connection to Trump, and Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed pride in the league’s diversity initiatives, calling them the right thing to do and beneficial for the NFL’s growth.
This season, “End Racism” will appear on one end zone in all NFL international games, with “It Takes of Us” on the other. The defending champions, Philadelphia Eagles, will feature “choice” in one end zone during their opener against the Dallas Cowboys, while rotating all four social justice messages throughout the season.
Since 2020, “End Racism” has been part of the NFL’s “Inspire Change” campaign, launched in response to nationwide protests following George Floyd’s murder. The original four messages have evolved, with “Select,” added in 2022, resonating with Buffalo Bills fans after mass shootings in Buffalo.
Alongside these messages, the NFL will also highlight charitable campaigns throughout the season, including tributes to the military and efforts to support cancer research.
Fan Take: The return of these powerful social justice messages shows the NFL’s ongoing commitment to important societal issues, which can foster unity and awareness among fans. This could strengthen the league’s cultural influence and encourage players and fans alike to engage more deeply with causes beyond the game itself.
