The world of sports has often been used as a conduit towards social change in the past, but ever since the death of Geroge Floyd at the beginning of last summer, it’s reached new heights.
We’ve seen everything from tears to boycotts to the Raptors bus appearing in the Orlando bubble with “Black Lives Matter” etched across it as a bonafide statement. One of the most common nods towards the fight for social change is decals located on the players jerseys and equipment.
The NBA featured jerseys with social justice messaging in place of the player’s last name, and we started seeing messages pop up all over the place. In the NFL, there were helmet decals and end zone stencils utilized to share similar messages that leveled simplicity with power.
Heading into the 2021-22 season, it wasn’t clear if this messaging would continue to feature. A week before the season, it was announced that yes – the NFL would continue to feature helmet decals and end zone stencils.
While many will throw their arms in the air and ask what difference a helmet decal will make, it’s all about creating awareness towards the cause. When the cause is more deeply implanted in everyone’s mind, there’s a lot more opportunity for change.
There are six messages that the players can choose from; “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “It Takes All of Us,” “Black Lives Matter,” “Inspire Change” and “Say Their Stories.”
From The Associated Press:
“We are committed to Inspire Change and the social justice work that inspires change for the long-term,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility.
(H/T The Associated Press)
