The NFL finally eliminates racism (from its end zones)

BREAKING NEWS: the NFL has finally gotten rid of racism.

Well, actually … per USA TODAY Sports: The messaging we normally see in the end zone during NFL games will have “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us” for Super Bowl 59.

Missing from end zones will be “End Racism.” Per NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy, “the choice of messages was made in response to several deadly tragedies throughout the United States since the start of the new year.”

The tragedies McCarthy is referring to include the California wildfires and the Potomac plane crash in Washington, D.C. While they’re obviously tragic, it’s difficult to pinpoint a reason why they’d necessitate the removal of the NFL’s slogans in this instance. One thing really doesn’t have much to do with the other.

It was that message that was written starting in 2020 in end zones that always felt performative, in the same way that the league started fining players for doing the finger guns celebration.

For what it’s worth, “End Racism” was written in the NFC title game in Philadelphia. But it’s also worth pointing out that this comes in the middle of President Donald Trump fighting DEI initiatives and closing offices in the government aimed at diversity. Trump is reportedly aiming to be in attendance on Sunday, and we’re talking about the same president who just blamed DEI for the plane and helicopter crash.

Even if this is all a coincidence, it’s not a good look with all of that swirling around. Frankly, taking away “end racism” in the face of the last few weeks is a bit of a slap in the face.

We do need to give the NFL some credit in the face of all of this: the league has been pouring money into combating racial and social injustice. So there’s that! And that’s so much more impactful than just two words written on a field.

But for “end racism” to disappear in the context of what’s going on in recent weeks? It needs to be called out.