Official League Statements and Public Messaging
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 06: NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell attends the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Atlanta Falcons at the Los Angeles Coliseum on January 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
When major conflicts or tragedies occur, the National Football League usually respond with a thought out and careful response.
The statements are typically released by the official league office or Rodger Godell and often emphasize sympathy and empathy for the victims, almost always condemning violence.
Following the October seventh attacks from the terrorist group Hamas on an Israeli music festival, the NFL issued the statement saying, “deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives.”
The league often uses similar messaging following the September 11th terror attacks, NFL games were postponed for a week, once league play resumed the stadiums held ceremonies honouring the victims.
FOXBORO, MASSACHUSETTS--SEPTEMBER 23:A Giant American Flag is presented on the field by the Cheerleaders of the New England Patriots in the first game following the September 11, 2001 Attacks in the game between the New York Jets vs the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium on September 23, 2001 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Responses from Team Owners and Executives
While the league itself attempts to keep its messaging politically neutral, Owners of franchise teams to not always hold themselves to such a high standard.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Robert Kraft, Owner of the New England Patriots looks on prior to the NFL match between New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on October 20, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
A prime example of this is Robert Kraft's (owner of the New England Patriots) response to the October 7th attacks condemning them and releasing a statement saying, “barbaric terrorist attacks.”
Arthur Blank who is the franchise owner of the Atlanta Falcons also announced significant donations to Israeli organisations, he donated upwards of $750,000 to multiple organisations.
Player Activism and League Rules on Political Expression
On the rare occasion an NFL player shares their opinion, it can sometimes go on to create mass tension within the league and end in massive pop culture discourse.
The biggest and most well known incident of this is of course Colin Kaepernick who began kneeling during the U.S. anthem to protest racial injustice in America.
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Colin Kaepernick #7 and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to playing the Los Angeles Rams in their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Kaepernick said, "“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color.”
His protest sparked a nation wide debate about the role of black athletes in political activism, the NFL responded saying, “Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the national anthem."
Fan Reactions and Stadium Protests
Political issues and conflicts can obviously have an effect on match going fans, stadium crowds sometimes react strongly to moments of silence, national anthems or symbolic gestures related to global events.
For example during the October seventh moment of silence some stadiums heard Palestine chants and related shouting.
In a similar vein during Kaepernick's protest fans across the country either joined the protest or voiced opposition through chants and signs.
One fan said, “Our flag and anthem always have to be respected, period.”
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 01: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers signs autographs for fans after a 31-21 win over the San Diego Chargers during a preseason game at Qualcomm Stadium on September 1, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
However another echoed the opposite sentiment “It’s not about disrespecting the national anthem it’s about what’s going on.”
Overall the league as a whole attempts to keep an illusion of neutrality that has been executed well, but when league owners and players do not participate the NFL will always influence discourse.