The new NFL season has kicked off, and it’s already generating controversy over the league’s stance on politics. During the pregame ceremony of the Thursday night game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions, the NFL showcased its commitment to leftism by playing a rendition of a song called “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the “Black National Anthem.” This song has been played before NFL games since 2020 as a response to the death of George Floyd and the fight against racism in all aspects of life.
While fans stayed to watch the game, many expressed their anger towards the league for playing the song. The crowd erupted in boos, as seen in a video that circulated online, with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes crossing the Arrowhead stadium field while the “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was playing.
Despite the negative reaction from some fans, there were also voices on the left who were disappointed with the booing. One Twitter user commented, “Kansas City Chiefs got some racist expletive fans. They booed the Black National Anthem, smh…”
Conservatives, on the other hand, argued that there should only be one National Anthem that unites the country, rather than multiple anthems that divide it along racial or ethnic lines. One commenter asked, “So when do Hispanics, American Samoans, Indigenous people of multiple nations, and every other identity group get their anthem played? The song is beautiful and meaningful, but this nation has ONE National Anthem.”
It’s important to note that the NFL announced in 2020 that “Lift Every Voice and Sing” would be played before games. This song made its debut during the September 10th game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had stated at the time, “We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter. I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country.”
However, this year, the NFL removed its “End Racism” on-field messaging and replaced it with “PLAY FOOTBALL” for the 2023 season, as seen during recent Chiefs games.
The NFL’s decision to incorporate political and social justice messages into its games has sparked debate among fans and observers. While some believe it is a necessary step towards addressing important issues, others argue that it detracts from the enjoyment of the sport and injects unnecessary politics into the game.
Regardless of where you stand on this issue, it’s clear that the NFL is navigating a complex landscape, juggling its commitment to social justice with the desire to provide entertainment for its diverse fan base. It remains to be seen how the league will continue to address these concerns moving forward and how it will strike a balance between athletics and activism.
In the end, what truly matters is that the NFL provides an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all fans, regardless of their political beliefs. Let’s hope that the focus can remain on the game itself, bringing people together through the love of football.
