NFL endzones to proclaim ‘End racism, it takes all of us’ for 2020-2021 season

This week, the NFL kicked off September by announcing that it will be joining other sports leagues by putting social justice messages on the playing field this season.

Tuesday afternoon, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell outlined on a conference call the league’s plans to stencil “End racism” and “It takes all of us” in the end zones at each stadium this fall.

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“The NFL stands with the Black community, the players, clubs and fans confronting systemic racism. We will not relent in our work,” Goodell said.

According to NFL.com, “Goodell reaffirmed the league’s efforts to move forward with social justice initiatives from the outset of the season, touching on the previously announced on-field signage. End zone borders will feature stencils with “It Takes All of Us” and “End Racism” on opposite ends of the field. It’s part of the NFL’s Inspire Change program.”

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“While I am just as stunned to see the commissioner apologize, the person who really deserves an apology is Colin Kaepernick, because the league left him hanging out to dry”
–@jemelehill on Roger Goodell saying the NFL was wrong for not listening to players earlier about racism pic.twitter.com/lPko0ZTCun

— CNN (@CNN) June 6, 2020

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CNN reports that on opening weekend the league will also be playing the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” – which is commonly referred to as the Black national anthem – before games while airing video clips that highlight the social justice work of players and teams.

Last month Goodell confessed that he wished the league had “listened earlier” to Colin Kaepernick when he began silent protests during the National Anthem back in 2016.

He said moving forward players will be empowered to “shine a spotlight on and honor victims of systemic racism and police brutality” with decals on their helmets that bear their names.

“The NFL stands with the Black community, the players, clubs, and fans,” the commissioner said. “Confronting systemic racism with tangible and productive steps is absolutely essential. We will not relent in our work and we will redouble our efforts to be catalysts for the urgent and sustainable change that our society and communities so desperately need.”

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