NEW YORK – Aug. 29, 2024 – The National Football League and LOVE SIGN ® announced today the latest drop of t-shirts in the NFL ASL Collection by LOVE SIGN ®, the exclusive NFL-licensed merchandise collection featuring American Sign Language (ASL).
Available starting today on NFLShop.com/ASL, the NFL ASL Collection by LOVE SIGN ®
t-shirts designed by HOMAGE featuring the logos of all 32 clubs will include each team’s name spelled out in ASL. The new t-shirts in the collection create another opportunity to engage fans while providing a new inclusive option for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community.
“Last season the NFL proudly launched the NFL ASL Collection by LOVE SIGN ® with the ASL sign for ‘I Love You,’ representing a first for the NFL as we aim to create more inclusive apparel for fans,” said Sean Greene, senior director of licensing at the NFL. “We are taking our commitment to inclusivity a step further by adding t-shirts that educate fans on how to sign their team’s name in ASL.”
“LOVE SIGN ® is proud to be a part of this collaboration with the NFL to help shine a light on the power of sports to bring people together,” said Alexis Kashar, founder of LOVE SIGN ®. “By harnessing the power of sports, we elevate awareness of American Sign Language and emphasize the importance of an inclusive society. We are thrilled to be a part of it.”
“It’s an honor to partner with the NFL to help amplify Alexis Kashar’s passion for spreading the power of human connection,” said Ryan Vesler, founder and CEO at HOMAGE. “At HOMAGE, we believe that clothing and storytelling go hand-in-hand, and when paired with American Sign Language it becomes even more powerful.”
The NFL’s engagement with the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community goes beyond the merchandise collection. Since 2009, the NFL has collaborated with leading advocates like Alexis Kashar and others to promote the closed captioning of Super Bowl commercials to ensure full access to this cultural phenomenon. In 2010, the NFL began bringing talented Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing performers to the Super Bowl to present ASL renditions of the National Anthem, America the Beautiful and other pregame songs. In 2022, for the first time, Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing artists performed a live ASL rendition of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, which was streamed worldwide. In addition, the NFL Kickoff game on Sept. 5, 2024, will include an in-stadium ASL performance of the National Anthem.
To shop the new t-shirts in the NFL ASL Collection by LOVE SIGN ®, visit NFLShop.com/ASL.
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