The NFL first introduced "End Racism" in its end zones in 2020, following the nationwide race riots and destructive protests after the death of George Floyd and growing pressure from NFL players.On July 27, 2020, the league told teams that "End Racism" and "It Takes All of Us" would be stenciled in opposite end zones during Week 1 and home openers.
They obviously framed the death of Floyd as racism and went along with a narrative that America and its police force, many of which helped keep teams and fans safe at every stadium around the country throughout the season, are racist.The NFL said the initiative was designed to show "how football and the NFL brings people together to work as one and use our example and our actions to help conquer racism." There you have it.
They explained without a doubt that they believe racism is a major issue and it must be "conquered" through messaging in the end zones.I'm chuckling writing this.A general view of signage in the end zone that reads, "End Racism" during the first quarter between the Los Angeles Rams and the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium on Oct.
24, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.(Getty Images)NFL RESTARTS SOCIAL JUSTICE MESSAGING WHILE BATTLING DOMESTIC ABUSE, DRUNK DRIVING AND PROSTITUTION ARRESTSCommissioner Roger Goodell subsequently confirmed that the social justice messaging was part of the league’s "Inspire Change" program, which was developed in consultation with players and the NFL Players Association.
The move came shortly after Goodell acknowledged that the NFL had been "wrong" for not listening to players earlier regarding racism.One of the best responses to all of this was from Barstool's PFT Commentator, who said, "I used to be racist as f--- until the NFL painted "End Racism" in the end zone." That was the perfect way to expose the nonsensical nature of the initiative.It was divisive and eye-roll inducing.
The fact the league is still pushing this messaging is laughable, but if they really wanted to tackl...