By Lydia Jane Allison
NEW YORK – Dec 12, 2024 – For the fourth consecutive year, the NFL and its 32 clubs will highlight the league’s steadfast commitment to advancing social justice during Weeks 15 and 16 of the regular season. Fans will enjoy game-day stadium activations and other moments that raise awareness about the positive impacts of this important work.
Inspire Change, the NFL’s flagship social justice initiative focused on education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform, will come to life through on-field and broadcast storytelling. These activations will highlight the collective efforts of players, teams, and grant partners dedicated to removing systemic barriers and promoting opportunity in communities nationwide. As part of these efforts, the league will announce its newest social justice grant recipients and honor Changemaker award winners, reinforcing its year-round commitment to creating positive societal change.
Since its launch in 2017, Inspire Change has empowered NFL players to collaborate with team owners, public officials, law enforcement, and community organizations to tackle pressing social justice challenges. Over the years, the NFL Family has contributed over $375 million, supporting 650+ local non-profits, nearly 2,000 player and Legend matching grants, and more than 50 national partners driving meaningful change at scale.
“For the NFL, improving the lives of people across the country in communities we call home and beyond is more than a responsibility; it’s a commitment,” said Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. “Inspire Change weeks each December shine a light on the extraordinary efforts of our partners and players while reinforcing our shared mission to foster opportunity and create stronger, more vibrant communities. We’re proud to honor and celebrate their dedication and remain committed to advancing this vital work.”
Inspire Change weeks will see NFL clubs transforming stadiums into powerful platforms for social justice. Endzone stencils displaying “It Takes All of Us” and “End Racism,” “Choose Love,” or “Stop Hate” will underscore the league’s commitment, accompanied by goalpost wraps, banners, and sideline graphics, and helmet decals.
The NFL will amplify social justice efforts by sharing compelling stories and videos across its social media platforms and the NFL Network. These features will shine a light on the work NFL players and grant partners are leading to drive positive change in their local communities. Featured players include Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Surtain II and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
This year’s Inspire Change PSAs highlight the impactful work that two Inspire Change grant recipients are doing to build stronger communities through enhanced community-police relations. The PSAs, collectively titled “Huddle Up,” use the idea of a “huddle” to demonstrate the power of coming together as a team to drive change. In the first spot, Grady Jarrett, defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons, huddles up with members of the Atlanta Policing Alternatives & Diversion (PAD) Initiative and officers from the Atlanta Police Department to build stronger communities. In the second spot, Rome Odunze, wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, huddles up with members of Chicago’s Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (a division of Metropolitan Family Services), and officers from the Chicago Police Department to empower local communities.
New this year, the NFL will sell the first-ever Inspire Change t-shirts, in partnership with Homage, to highlight the spirit of giving back. There will be 33 versions, one for each club and the league as a whole. Additionally, the NFL is again working with Nike and New Era to provide Inspire Change branded gear sweatshirts and headwear for coaches, players, and all sideline personnel. The Homage tees and New Era headwear will be available for sale at NFLShop.com/InspireChange. All royalties from the sale of Inspire Change merchandise fund grants in under-resourced communities.
Later today, the NFL will announce its 2024 Changemakers – individuals in each NFL team market who are making a difference in their communities with their social justice work, either individually or as part of a non-profit.
Next week, the NFL will also announce its new 2025 grant partners, who are making an impact across Inspire Change’s four impact areas: education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform.
To learn more about the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative and to view the 2024 Social Justice Impact Report, visit www.nfl.com/inspirechange.
COURTESY NFL COMMUNICATIONS
