In support of Black Lives Matter, the NFL announced its plans to honor the victims of systemic racism and police brutality by having its 1,700-plus football players wear the names of victims on their sports helmets.
The Decals
Following the global outrage caused by the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed by police Derek Chauvin, in assistance by J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas K. Lane, and Tou Thao, the NFL has announced its support for the Black Lives Matter Movement.
On July 27th, the NFL informed its interest to aid in social justice by inaugurating its upcoming football season with various kinds of displays.
The footballers will be offered a list of names and information about the victims for the players to choose and display; coaches will likewise be able to support by wearing patches on their hats. In addition to their uniforms, signs will also be displayed across its football fields with the phrases “It Takes All of Us” and “End Racism.”
Moreover, the NFL has also announced its partnership with the James Weldon Johnson Foundation and the NAACP to help educate football fans about BLM’s message and its importance. “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black National Anthem, will also be played prior to the “Star-Spangled Banner” during all of Week 1’s games.
An Attempt at Progress
As an organization that has been infamous for shutting down protests, the NFL now aims to progress from its past mistakes.
In the past, the NFL has been criticized for its backward response to the urgency of social justice, specifically calling back to its ban against San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Colin Kaepernick. In 2016, Kaepernick kneeled during the U.S. national anthem in protest against police brutality and racial inequality, to the disapproval of the National Football League.
Moving forward to June 5th, 2020, following the urgent outcry for social justice, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced an apology on Twitter for the NFL’s irresponsibility in the matter.
“We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter,” Goodell states on Twitter. No mention of Kaepernick was made in Goodell’s speech.
It’s More than Just a Sticker
As per NFL custom, uniforms have traditionally been prohibited from displaying any statement, aside from the occasional American Flag or the uniforms’ brand partners, such as Reebok or Nike. Former players have also been employed as “uniform cops,” looking for the slightest violations worn by the players.
Allowing decals on helmets, in addition to hanging up signs and partnering with social justice organizations, shows a progression away from the NFL’s stricter policies. One can be hopeful about the NFL finally taking accountability by using its platform to spotlight important issues. However, like the history that precedes it, social injustice cannot be cured overnight.
Like the country, there is still a long way ahead for the NFL to both heal its wounds and solve its mistakes, yet one can maturely hope to grow and move forward towards a better improvement.
Read more: 5 Ways You Can Support The Black Community & BLM Movement
