NFL to again require social justice slogans in end zones for all 32 teams

For the sixth consecutive season, the National Football League will require all 32 teams to display social justice slogans in their end zones, continuing a policy that has both supporters and critics across the sports world.

At every home game this season, teams must select from four pre-approved messages: “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love,” or “Inspire Change.” The opposite end zone will feature the league-wide slogan, “It Takes All of Us.”

The only change from last season is the replacement of “Vote” with “Inspire Change.”

NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson defended the initiative’s continuation, saying it reflects the league’s long-standing role in shaping culture.

“For decades, the NFL and its players have 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,” Isaacson told the Associated Press.

“We’re working hand-in-hand with players, and alongside our clubs, to amplify player voices and underscore what is most important to them.”

The messaging is part of the NFL’s broader Inspire Change initiative, which has provided over $460 million to more than 650 nonprofit organizations and 2,100 players and alumni since 2017. The program supports causes such as mentorship, workforce development, education funding, food security, and criminal justice reform.

The league’s website highlights its player-led legislative efforts, pointing to influence on voter laws, juvenile justice reform, and education access.

While the league frames the campaign as unifying, the move has fueled debate among fans who feel sports should remain separate from politics.

A 2024 study found more than one-third of U.S. adults disapprove of athletes bringing politics into sports, while fewer than one-third strongly support it.

NFL viewership declined 2.2% during the 2024–25 season, averaging 17.5 million viewers per game compared to 17.9 million the previous year. Although still the most-watched sport in America, analysts note that social and political controversies in sports have alienated some fans.

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The league’s social justice stance traces back to 2016, when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem to protest systemic racism in policing — a move that sparked a national debate.

As the NFL begins the 2025 season, the league is betting its Inspire Change campaign will resonate with players and fans despite polarized reactions.

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