NFL

Fans of the National Football League can expect to see a series of “social justice” messages once again emblazoned on the back of endzones this season.

It’s all part of the NFL’s “Inspire Change” initiative that’s “aimed at reducing barriers to opportunity, particularly in communities of color, and showcasing how the NFL family is working together to create positive change.” 

The phrase, “It Takes All of Us” will be displayed in one of the endzones of every game. Home teams will then have the option of stenciling one of the following four statements at the opposite end of the field:

“End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love” or “Inspire Change.”

These are the same messages the program featured last year, with the exception of the last one, which was originally “Vote Change.”

The “Inspire Change” initiative was first launched in 2019. It grew out of various controversies, including former San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s claims of “systemic racism” in both the league and elsewhere. In response, the NFL pledged hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to several organizations that were perceived to be helpful in addressing areas of concern.

The endzone messages are just one high profile manifestation of the campaign – but a controversial one that may well not only fail to accomplish its objectives, but maybe even do more harm than good.

There’s evidence fans have grown weary over being lectured to when it comes to specious claims, especially the insinuation that racism or hatred are running rampant in the NFL or the culture at large. The empty, bumper-sticker-type slogans ring hollow.

For Christians, especially, there is no tolerance for animus towards anyone over skin color, sexual confusion or other differences. Setting aside the occasional bad actor and behavior, where is the evidence that such broad declarations are even needed or would be effective?

To whom is the NFL directing their messages? It’s a shallow, token public relations stunt that understandably offends the sensibilities of fans – and turns off the very people they presumably want to entertain.

If the NFL is serious about addressing widespread issues in the league and elsewhere, they could do a lot better than the slogans they’re currently peddling.

May we suggest two:

“End Domestic Violence.”

“All Life is Sacred”

In recent years, the NFL has made changes to its personal conduct policy after dozens of its players were being arrested each year for domestic violence. Last fall, the league announced they had seen arrests drop in half from an average of 69 per year to 34.

This is a positive trajectory, but it still represents an enormous amount of hurt and heartache. To date, there has been no such onslaught of incidents of racism or hatred. So why has the NFL chosen to turn over the endzone space to vacuous slogans instead?

While the NFL saw viewership drop by 2% last year, the sport still commands a massive weekly audience. Surrendering its real estate to patronizing phrases will do little, if anything, to solve social problems – and likely further drive away viewers fed up with its lectures.

But if the league is open to reconsidering its current campaign, we might also suggest one more slogan for the endzone that is sure to stem the backlash that erupted this past week in Minnesota. This past weekend, the Vikings debuted a male dancer who joined the females, pompoms and all:

“No More Male Cheerleaders.”

Image from Getty.

Former Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Pathers’ defensive end Jared Allen gave an emotional 14-minute NFL Hall of Fame induction speech during Sunday’s ceremony in Canton, Ohio, notably paying tribute to his family.

The now 43-year-old retired elite pass rusher has come a long way from his uneven early days in the league when he was arrested twice in six months for driving while intoxicated.

Playing with the Kansas City Chiefs at the time, it was Allen’s “Grandpa Ray” who sat him down and challenged him to turn his life around.

“Ray Allen, Grandpa Ray, was a hardcore Marine,” Allen said. “Served in Korea. Did two tours in Vietnam. Great character. Toughest guy you’d ever meet.” 

The young NFL player was reeling and close to getting kicked out of the league.  “He said something that will stick with me forever,” recalled the Hall of Famer. 

“He said, ‘I didn’t drag this last name through three wars just so you could screw it up.’”

Jared Allen grew up on a ranch in California and was expelled from high school for stealing yearbooks. He said it was “Just dumb kid stuff I thought was funny but ended up not being funny.” 

The University of Washington rescinded their football scholarship offer, and Allen settled in at Idaho State to play instead. He excelled on the field and was drafted by the Kansas Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2004 draft, 126th overall.

Despite his off-field antics, Allen performed well in the NFL, but the Chiefs were unwilling to invest in him long-term at the asking price, so he was traded to Minnesota.

Looking back, Jared credits his grandfather and family with helping him get back on track.

On Sunday, Allen spoke lovingly from the stage of the influence of his mother and father.

Speaking of his father, Ron Allen:

“I’m reminded of Philippians 4, verses 11 and 12. The verse reads, ‘I’m not saying this because I’m in need, for I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, I know what it is to have plenty.’ You [Dad], never let circumstance affect your joy. You are a constant example of hard work. You taught me work ethic, and most importantly, your consistent belief in me gave me the confidence to achieve greatness. And I love you for that.”

To his mother, Sara Chapman:

“You were always a source of compassion and grace. Always there with a prayer, even when I was a complete knucklehead. And you never judged me, at least not to my face, so I appreciate that.”

To his wife, Amy Johnson:

“I’m reminded of what Tom Lanphier said when we were going through our premarital counseling. He said, ‘The two most important decisions you’ll make in life is 1.) Whether you follow Jesus or not and 2.) Who you marry. Because there’s only two types of people. There’s boat anchors who drag you down, and there’s people who elevate you.’

“You [Amy] are a true game elevator. You’re one of the smartest people I know. I am in awe of you every single day, and I love you more than life itself.”

To his daughters, Brittany and Lachlan:

“I’m here to tell you two, you are my greatest accomplishments. When I get called home to Heaven one day, if all they talk about is this gold jacket, my career, then I’ve failed miserably as a father, a husband, and a friend. You two are my legacy. You are both so talented. I cannot wait to see what you decide to do to conquer this world. So always put Christ first, find your way, dream big dreams, always pursue greatness in whatever you do.”

If not for the firm and loving guidance of his grandfather, Jared Allen’s NFL career might very well have ended in its infancy. From his reflections on Sunday, it seems apparent that the former NFL standout has allowed himself to be shaped and influenced by a growing Christian faith – a devotion that he now seems intent on passing on to the couple’s two young daughters.

That’s a legacy that far surpasses any bust or gold jacket in Canton, Ohio.

Image credit: NFL/Instagram