NFL players will again be able to wear social justice messages on helmets this season. "It Takes All of Us," and "End Racism," will be stenciled in the end zones as part of the league’s Inspire Change platform.
The league will also reintroduce the "Say Their Stories” initiative. Each team will highlight its social justice efforts during a home regular-season game in Weeks 17-18.
Anna Isaacson, senior vice president of Social Responsibility at the NFL, stated that "we are committed to Inspire Change" and social justice work that inspires long-term change.
There are six messages that players can choose from in the helmet decal program: "End Racism," Stop Hate," It Takes All of Us," Black Lives Matter," Inspire Change," and "Say Their Stories."
All clubs will have their end zone stencils placed on the field during home games. In this example, the end zone stencils for Salute to Service games will be changed to "End Racism" and "Salute To Service" respectively. The opposite side will still have "It Takes All of Us".
The "Say Their Stories", this year's feature, will be voiced again by NFL players. However, it will expand to include social justice heroes who were personally identified by NFL players for their impact on this area, especially those from their local communities.
All clubs will be provided with the appropriate banners, goalpost wraps stencils, helmet decals, and video board graphics for the last two weeks of regular season. These elements will be displayed during playoff games.
Isaacson stated, "This will give us a unified timeline for us to further amplify all of the work our clubs are doing and will lead into playoffs where Inspire Change (and continue to be the center stage)". As the season begins, the key message is that we are increasing our social justice work in a significant way.
New Era and Players Coalition teamed up with the league to create an Inspire Change knit cap that players, coaches, and other personnel can wear on the sidelines during Weeks 17-18. This will increase visibility for the cause. The league will sell the hat at retail and donate 100% of its proceeds to Inspire Change grant recipients.
