The NFL reportedly plans to continue to play the Black National Anthem before games this season as well.
The story: The NFL has reportedly decided to feature “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at all “tentpole” events, according to Front Office Sports. The league will add social justice on player helmet decals and PSAs as well.
A source told the outlet that “[t]hey’re bringing back a lot of elements from last year.”
This would include honoring victims via a potential “Say Their Stories” project, the outlet reports, citing people familiar with the matter.
How we got here: The NFL played “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before the start of Week 1 games during the 2020 NFL season amid a summer of protests against racism and police brutality. The league also allowed social justice phrases to be painted in teams’ end zone and gave players the opportunity to wear t-shirts with pre-approved social justice messages or the name of a victim.
The song was also played before Super Bowl LV and the draft in April.
At the time, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he supports the Black Lives Matter movement.
“We, at the National Football League, believe Black lives matter. I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country,” he said.
“Without Black players, there would be no National Football League and the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of Black players, coaches, fans and staff. We are listening, I am listening, and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united NFL family,” Goodell added.
Worth noting: The NFL lost a total of $5 billion in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Both the NFL and NBA were criticized for social justice initiatives, with critics saying they should stay out of politics.
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