For the first time in over three years, the upcoming Super Bowl will present a different message in the backdrop of one of the end zones. The highly-anticipated Super Bowl 59 showdown featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will showcase the inspirational phrases “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us” displayed behind the end zones at the illustrious Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. This update was confirmed by NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy in a statement to USA TODAY Sports, with The Athletic breaking the news initially.
McCarthy explained that the decision to change the messages was prompted by a series of tragic events that have occurred across the United States since the beginning of the new year. He emphasized that the Super Bowl serves as a significant moment in time, allowing the NFL to capture and uplift the nation’s spirit. Hence, the phrases “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us” were deemed appropriate, given the recent calamities such as wildfires in southern California, a terrorist attack in New Orleans, a plane and helicopter crash near the nation’s capital, and a plane crash in Philadelphia.
Notably, the AFC championship game, hosted by the Chiefs, did not feature the “end racism” slogan, while the NFC championship game, hosted by the Eagles, did. The league initially introduced the “end racism” stencil behind end zones during the 2020 season openers as part of the “Inspire Change” initiative, with the practice expanding in 2021. According to reports from The Athletic, the decision to forego the use of the slogan for Super Bowl 59 was communicated to senior league officials earlier in the week.
During a news conference on Monday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell affirmed that the league remains committed to its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and policies. Goodell stressed that the NFL’s efforts in diversity and inclusion are not fleeting trends but fundamental principles to improve the league. Despite shifts in corporate initiatives following the election of President Donald Trump, Goodell emphasized that the NFL’s focus on diversity is intrinsic to attracting top talent within the league, both on and off the field.
Goodell underscored the positive impact of diversity efforts on the NFL, citing its enhancement of the league and its appeal to fans, communities, and players alike. As President Trump announced plans to attend Super Bowl 59, as revealed by the White House on Tuesday, the NFL remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the league and beyond.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Super Bowl 2025 dropping ‘end racism’ message in end zone.
