NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is sending a message to fans opening weekend with “End Racism” and “It Takes All of Us” messages stenciled into end zones.
The decision comes during a cultural climate in which various companies have shown support for Black Lives Matter protests and its activists’ allegations of systemic racism.
The Washington Redskins, for example, will be known as Washington Football Team for at least the 2020 season as the franchise focuses on rebranding its image.
“The NFL informed clubs today of plans to amplify its social justice initiatives, including helmet decals and signage in end zones for kickoff games and club home openers,” NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero tweeted Monday.
Many players are expected to continue kneeling for the national anthem as they have since 2016, and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will be played prior to Week One games.
The song has been referred to as the “Black national anthem” at times by commentators.
