The NFL finally eliminates racism (from its end zones)

Posted by author February 5, 2025 NFL

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This is For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here. Have feedback? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey! Now, here’s Charles Curtis on the NFL doing away with its endzone slogans.

BREAKING NEWS: the NFL has finally gotten rid of racism.

Well, actually … per USA TODAY Sports: The messaging we normally see in the end zone during NFL games will have “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us” for Super Bowl 59.

Missing from end zones will be “End Racism.” Per NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy, “the choice of messages was made in response to several deadly tragedies throughout the United States since the start of the new year.”

The tragedies McCarthy is referring to include the California wildfires and the Potomac plane crash in Washington, D.C. While they’re obviously tragic, it’s difficult to pinpoint a reason why they’d necessitate the removal of the NFL’s slogans in this instance. One thing really doesn’t have much to do with the other.

It was that message that was written starting in 2020 in end zones that always felt performative, in the same way that the league started fining players for doing the finger guns celebration.

For what it’s worth, “End Racism” was written in the NFC title game in Philadelphia. But it’s also worth pointing out that this comes in the middle of President Donald Trump fighting DEI initiatives and closing offices in the government aimed at diversity. Trump is reportedly aiming to be in attendance on Sunday, and we’re talking about the same president who just blamed DEI for the plane and helicopter crash.

Even if this is all a coincidence, it’s not a good look with all of that swirling around. Frankly, taking away “end racism” in the face of the last few weeks is a bit of a slap in the face.

We do need to give the NFL some credit in the face of all of this: the league has been pouring money into combating racial and social injustice. So there’s that! And that’s so much more impactful than just two words written on a field.

But for “end racism” to disappear in the context of what’s going on in recent weeks? It needs to be called out.

Reunited and it feels so good?

Kevin Durant might be a Golden State Warrior again soon, Mike Sykes writes. But…it wouldn’t make much sense if this were to actually happen.

Here’s the deal: The Warriors have been calling around about “every All-Star player” they could think of, from LeBron James to Zion Williamson, trying to get Steph Curry some help. The player who seems to be the most available these days is Kevin Durant, who the Suns have reportedly insisted they’re not trading.

According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, however, there’s a “rising belief around the league” that Durant can be moved.

Why? Because it’s the only way for the Suns to acquire Jimmy Butler before the trade deadline on Thursday. Bradley Beal won’t waive his no-trade clause so he’s out of the question. A Durant deal could land Phoenix with the assets needed to get the Heat’s star.

I know what you’re thinking. “Why would you trade Durant just to get Jimmy Butler?” Well, folks. There’s no good answer to that question. Here’s more from Stein:

“Why would the Suns want Butler if they no longer have Durant on the roster? No one asked by The Stein Line has been able to furnish a good answer to that question, but rumbles persist that a scenario that transports Butler from South Beach to the desert — with Durant moving back to the Bay Area — is indeed in play.“

It doesn’t make any sense. But, uh, I guess it’s a thing. We’ll see.

Tom Brady is free

Remember all of those restrictions imposed on Tom Brady in his broadcast job because of his ownership role with the Raiders? Typically, he can’t do simple things to prepare for the broadcast, like attend team practices, visit team facilities or even criticize officials during games.

The gloves are off for the Super Bowl, though. Well, kind of. Andrew Joseph has more on this here:

“Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said that Brady would be allowed to attend their production meetings and have the same access as his colleagues. Brady, though, still cannot attend Chiefs and Eagles practices. But hey, it’s undeniably important for Brady to attend a production meeting for Fox’s biggest production of the year. That’s something.”

Will this make Brady a better broadcaster? We can only hope so. I wouldn’t hold my breath, though.

Meet Jake LaRavia, one of the NBA’s most fascinating trade chips … 3 ways the Chiefs can win the Super Bowl … and more

— Bryan Kalbrosky wrote a brilliant feature about Jake LaRavia, who has become one of the best players on the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizz have a decision to make with him.

— Here’s Christian D’Andrea on the three things the Chiefs need to go right to win the Super Bowl.

— A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo have FINALLY hard launched their relationship. Meg Hall has more on that.

— Kirk Cousins’ explanation for his late-season decline made the Falcons look so incompetent

— Super Bowl 2025 betting estimates dropped by $21B for 1 simple reason

— How the 2025 Super Bowl could go terribly wrong for Saquon Barkley and the Eagles

That’s a wrap, folks. Thanks so much for rocking with us today. Appreciate you. Have a fantastic Wednesday. Peace.

— Charles & Sykes ✌️