The National Football League has decided to remove its "End Racism" message from Super Bowl LIX end zones for the first time since 2021.
The change comes ahead of Sunday's clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that the end zones will instead feature two different messages: "Choose Love" and "It Takes All of Us".
McCarthy explained the choice of messages was in response to several recent tragedies across the United States.
The NFL end zones will no longer display "End Racism"
PA
"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," McCarthy said in a statement.
He specifically cited wildfires in southern California, a terrorist attack in New Orleans, and plane crashes near Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia as events that influenced the decision.
"We felt it was an appropriate statement for what the country has collectively endured," McCarthy added.
The decision comes as former President Donald Trump, who recently returned to the White House, is expected to attend Sunday's game.
Trump has been critical of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives since his re-election, describing such programmes as "discrimination".
However, McCarthy maintained the decision was solely based on recent national tragedies.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell strongly defended the league's diversity initiatives during his Monday news conference.
"We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League, and we're going to continue those efforts because we've not only convinced ourselves, I think we've proven ourselves that it does make the NFL better," Goodell said.
He emphasised that the NFL's commitment wasn't trend-driven: "We're not in this because it's a trend to get in or a trend to get out of it."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended his diversity policies
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The NFL first introduced "End Racism" messages in end zones during the 2020 season openers as part of its "Inspire Change" initiative.
The slogan has featured in every Super Bowl since 2021, following nationwide protests after George Floyd's death.
McCarthy noted that this year's AFC championship game, hosted by the Chiefs, did not include the "End Racism" slogan.
The NFC championship game, hosted by the Eagles against the Washington Commanders, retained the message in its end zone.
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