NFL's social justice initiatives include end-zone signage, helmet decals
The NFL is stenciling "End Racism" and "It Takes All of Us" messages on end-zone borders for all 2020 home openers as part of their social justice plan, the league informed teams Monday in a memo obtained by Jason Reid of ESPN.
Additionally, players will be able to don helmet decals honoring victims of police brutality from a predetermined list of names, though they can also "select a victim of systemic racism who is not represented on this list," according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Players can sport the name in Week 1 or for the entire season, and coaches can wear a hat patch.
Here are examples from the league sent to teams:
The NFL informed clubs today of plans to amplify its social justice initiatives, including helmet decals and signage in end zones for kickoff games and club home openers. pic.twitter.com/p4lt27tmEY
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 27, 2020
The end-zone statement demonstrates "how football and the NFL brings people together to work as one and use our example and our actions to help conquer racism," the memo reads.
In the wake of George Floyd's death and subsequent worldwide protests against racial inequality and police violence, the NFL has ramped up its social justice initiatives for this season.
Among the multiple measures planned is the playing of the song "Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing," which is traditionally known as the Black national anthem, before every Week 1 contest.
The NFL's memo also revealed the league plans on honoring essential workers.
"Featured on each club's seat covering between the 30-yard lines, there will be messaging thanking these frontline workers," the memo reads.