The National Football League (NFL) will feature the phrase "Choose Love" stenciled in the back of one of the end zones at the Superdome in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX this Sunday. This initiative is part of the NFL's ongoing Inspire Change campaign, which has been using field stencils since 2020 to promote messages of unity and social justice. The decision aligns with the league's efforts to encourage inclusivity, while also adhering to the Rooney Rule, which mandates that teams interview diverse candidates for key positions.
The Superdome will host this season's championship game, with the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs aiming for a historic third consecutive victory. President Donald Trump is expected to attend the event, adding to the high-profile nature of the occasion. Despite potential tensions between NFL policies promoting diversity and the Trump administration's stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, Commissioner Roger Goodell maintains that there is no conflict.
"Our owners participate in everything that we do," said Roger Goodell.
"There are no quotas in our system," he added.
"This is about opening that funnel and bringing the best talent into the NFL."
The NFL has taken significant steps over the years to foster diversity through various initiatives. The Rooney Rule, in place for over two decades, reflects this commitment. Teams have embraced these values by choosing messages like "Vote," "End Racism," and "Stop Hate" for their end zones throughout the season. The Philadelphia Eagles notably selected "End Racism" during the NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders, while the Chiefs opted for "Choose Love" in their AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills.
For this year’s Super Bowl, "It Takes All of Us" will be stenciled in the other end zone, marking the first time since February 2021 that "End Racism" will not be featured at a Super Bowl. The NFL's approach is not merely about slogans but a broader effort to engage audiences and inspire change.
"The Super Bowl is often a snapshot in time and the NFL is in a unique position to capture and lift the imagination of the country," stated Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesperson.
"Choose Love," McCarthy emphasized, encapsulating the league's message.
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