The NFL has confirmed it will replace the phrase “End Racism” with “Choose Love” in the end zones at Caesars Superdome for Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
League shifts messaging for big game
Since 2020, the NFL has displayed social justice messages on fields and uniforms as part of its “Inspire Change” initiative. Phrases like “Vote,” “Stop Hate,” and “End Racism” have appeared in stadiums throughout the season.
At the AFC and NFC Championship games, the Chiefs used “Choose Love” in their end zone, while the Eagles had “End Racism.” For the Super Bowl, the league has opted to exclusively feature “Choose Love,” marking the first time since 2021 that “End Racism” will not appear at the championship event.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy explained the decision, citing recent national tragedies, including wildfires in Southern California, a terrorist attack in New Orleans, and fatal aviation accidents near Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
Trump to attend Super Bowl
The announcement comes as President Donald Trump prepares to attend the Super Bowl, making him the first sitting U.S. president to do so. The Secret Service has increased security measures, working closely with law enforcement and the NFL to ensure safety.
Trump has been vocal in his opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order dismantling federal DEI programs. After last week’s deadly midair collision involving an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, he implied diversity policies contributed to the disaster.
Goodell defends NFL diversity policies
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed concerns over potential conflicts between the league’s diversity policies and Trump’s stance against DEI. He emphasized that the NFL’s efforts do not include quotas but aim to “open the funnel” for talent.
“We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League,” Goodell said. “And we’re going to continue those efforts because we’ve not only convinced ourselves, I think we’ve proven ourselves, that it does make the NFL better.”
