NFL Faces Backlash for Replacing End Racism with Choose Love at Super Bowl LIX
As Super Bowl LIX approaches, the NFL has sparked controversy with a decision to replace the “End Racism” message in the end zones with “Choose Love.”
The move, which follows a broader political shift under the influence of Donald Trump’s stance on eliminating DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, has raised eyebrows, particularly among critics who see it as a retreat from the league’s previous stance on racial justice.
The decision comes at a time when history is being made, as Super Bowl LIX features two Black quarterbacks—Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts—marking just the second time in NFL history that two Black quarterbacks have faced off in the Super Bowl.
The first instance was in Super Bowl LVII, where Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a narrow victory over Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles. This historic matchup made the NFL’s shift in messaging even more contentious.
Jeremy Reginald, son of the late Eagles legend Reggie White, publicly condemned the move, calling it “cowardly.” He pointed out that the removal of “End Racism” was especially inappropriate given the significance of this year’s Super Bowl, with its historic quarterback matchup.
His criticism resonated with many, as his social media post garnered over 9,600 likes and sparked hundreds of comments from supporters.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy defended the “Choose Love” message, suggesting it was a timely response to national tragedies, including wildfires, terrorist attacks, and plane crashes. The league has a longstanding commitment to diversity, reflected in initiatives like the Rooney Rule, which mandates that teams interview diverse candidates for coaching and executive positions.
Despite the backlash, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stood by the league’s policies, noting that they remain in line with the goals of both the current and previous U.S. administrations.
This shift in messaging has divided fans and observers, leaving the NFL to walk a delicate line between maintaining its social responsibility and appealing to its diverse national audience. As the controversy unfolds, all eyes will be on how the league handles these challenges moving forward.
