NFL-NFLPA Issues Statement on Social Justice Initiatives

On Tuesday, both the NFL member clubs and the NFLPA Executive Committee met to discuss issues relating to the 2020 season, which will begin in just seven days.  Both parties repeated their commitment to continue working tirelessly to affect positive change as we also prepare together to play a full season.

We also agree that our focus must continue to be on action and have agreed to take the following additional steps in support of our shared commitment to social justice and equality:

• All NFL, NFLPA and club facilities will be closed on Tuesday, November 3, to ensure that every member of the NFL family has an opportunity to exercise the precious right to vote.

• In the days leading up to the election, we will continue to sponsor non-partisan educational programs to ensure that our players, staff, and families know how to register, how to obtain absentee voting material, and are able to vote on Election Day.
• We will support efforts in our communities to encourage people to vote, including by working with state officials to establish polling places at our stadiums.  We will also identify safe and appropriate ways in which members of the NFL family can assist in election efforts.
• We will devote the entirety of our one-hour program on NBC next Wednesday, September 9, to providing a platform for our players and allies to discuss the work that we are doing together to advance social justice and equality.  Additional details on this program to be announced at a later date.
• Clubs and ownership will facilitate meetings between with state and local elected officials and leaders of law enforcement, to discuss steps that can be taken to reduce conflict and improve relations between law enforcement and members of the community.
• The NFL and NFLPA will work together to support college education for the children of the victims who will be recognized by our players.

These commitments are part of a continuing effort and build on the exceptional work of players and clubs over the past several years. The Players Coalition has led the efforts of players and clubs to engage with leaders at all levels of government to express our perspective on issues like bail and criminal justice reform; promote education reform and economic opportunity in disadvantaged communities; sponsor efforts to improve police-community relations; and sponsor voter education programs, registration drives, and are working to make club facilities available for use on Election Day. Together, we have also provided critical support to hundreds of community and non-profit organizations throughout the country, and more recently made available relief targeted to communities of color that have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus.

We are proud of our current and former players for the extraordinary work that they do in our communities. Club-owners, and employees are proud to support and work alongside the players to make our country better, fairer, and more equal.