In a significant shift for the upcoming Super Bowl LIX, the NFL has announced that the familiar "End Racism" message will not be featured in the end zones of the championship game. Instead, the league will promote the phrases "Choose Love" and "It Takes All of Us." This decision marks a departure from a trend that began in the 2020 NFL season, when the "End Racism" slogan was introduced amid heightened racial tensions across the United States.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the change, stating that the league intends to take a different approach for this year’s Super Bowl, scheduled to take place at the Caesars Superdome. The decision comes in the wake of various tragedies that have affected communities across the country, including a terror attack in New Orleans and devastating wildfires in California.
The removal of the "End Racism" message has drawn criticism from some quarters, notably from former ESPN commentator Keith Olbermann. He voiced his disapproval on social media, asserting that the NFL’s stance against the phrase implies a tacit endorsement of racism. Olbermann’s remarks reflect a broader concern among advocates who view the NFL’s decision as a regression in the league’s commitment to social justice.
Previously, the "End Racism" slogan was prominently displayed during the Eagles’ NFC Championship win against the Washington Commanders, while the AFC Championship saw the use of the new phrases. The league’s move to replace "End Racism" with alternative slogans has sparked debate about the ongoing relevance of racial equity messaging in professional sports.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has defended the league’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, emphasizing their importance in attracting talent both on and off the field. Goodell maintains that these efforts are fundamental to the NFL’s identity and future, asserting that diversity makes the league stronger.
As fans prepare for Super Bowl LIX, the decision to replace "End Racism" with "Choose Love" and "It Takes All of Us" will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion, reflecting the evolving dialogue around race and social justice in America. The game, which will feature a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, will be streamed on Tubi, making it accessible to a wider audience.