The National Football League sent a memo to teams on Monday detailing what measures it will take to promote social justice during the 2020-21 season.
Players and teams will have the option to attach decals to uniforms to honor victims of systemic racism by displaying the person’s name or initials.
The league will also be displaying on-field messages with stenciling along end-zone borders that are set to feature the phrases “It Takes All of Us” and “End Racism” on either end of the field of play.
“As we continue to amplify and elevate the NFL’s ongoing and long-term commitment to social justice, we will be incorporating several prominent elements on the field, into all broadcasts and across league and club platforms to begin the NFL season and beyond,” the memo sent to team owners said. “In developing these concepts, we have worked directly with players and received input from the NFLPA.”
The messaging initiatives were brainstormed by the NFL’s Social Justice Working Committee, which is comprised of six team owners.
Before every game during the first week of the season, a prerecorded version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will be played in stadiums. The song is widely considered to be the black national anthem.
Since the death of George Floyd on May 25, a renewed conversation about systemic racism and implicit bias against black people from law enforcement has been renewed. Dozens of athletes from every major sport have said they plan to use their public platforms to promote equality and anti-racism messages.
The NBA said it would display “Black Lives Matter” on courts during its shortened season and allow players to wear the names of victims of racism on the backs of jerseys. Some MLB players have participated in kneeling protests during the national anthem before games.
Several NFL players have said they plan to participate in kneeling protests before games this fall. Others have said they find the display disrespectful to the American flag and the United States military.
President Trump has been sharply critical of the Black Lives Matter movement and kneeling protests by professional athletes, saying the group presents a “hateful message” and suggesting he won’t watch games if players kneel.
“Any time I witness a player kneeling during the National Anthem, a sign of great disrespect for our Country and our Flag, the game is over for me!” Trump tweeted.
