During the last three Super Bowls, at the end of each end zone, the phrase “End Racism” was displayed as part of an NFL diversity campaign that began in 2020. However, the league decided to make a substantive change for the Sunday game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, and the information was revealed on the same day that the attendance of Donald Trump at the game was reported.
Trump and his new administration have launched a strong campaign to end federal integration and diversity policies, a trend that has also been followed by several companies at the national level.
What will be the phrases that the NFL will use for the Super Bowl?
According to Brian McCarthy, the NFL spokesperson, the phrase “Choose Love” will be incorporated in one end zone, and in the other end zone “It Takes All of Us” will be painted.
“The Super Bowl often reflects the moment we are living in, and the NFL has a unique opportunity to capture and elevate the country’s imagination. ‘Choose Love’ is a timely message, considering that we have recently faced wildfires in Southern California, a terrorist attack in New Orleans, a plane and helicopter accident near the capital, and an air crash in Philadelphia,” McCarthy said.
During this season, teams were able to choose from different messages to reflect their stance on the field, including “Vote”, “End Racism”, “Stop Hate”, and “Choose Love”.
The Kansas City Chiefs, for example, used the phrase "Choose Love" in the American Conference (AFC) final against the Buffalo Bills, while the Philadelphia Eagles opted for the slogan "End Racism" in the National Conference (NFC) final.
According to information from The Associated Press, sources close to the NFL ruled out that the decision to not include "End Racism" in one of the end zones of the Super Bowl is related to Donald Trump's presence at the event.
NFL Commissioner confirms diversity policies
In light of Trump's "ideological battle" against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures, in his usual press conference before this Monday's Super Bowl, Roger Goodell reaffirmed his commitment to these policies implemented by the NFL.
"Our policies have been designed to be completely within the law and practice. There are no quotas in our system. It is about widening the talent funnel and bringing the best to the NFL. We also believe that our measures are consistent with both this administration and the previous one," said the league commissioner.
The NFL is a league where most owners seem to lean towards Donald Trump, and several owners contributed to the Republican campaign during the last election.
Trump will become the first president to attend a Super Bowl.