Weeks 15 and 16 will Recognize 2023 Inspire Change Changemakers, Announce New Grant partners for 2024, Launch Official Merchandise, and More
NEW YORK – December 12, 2023 – For the third consecutive year, the NFL and its 32 clubs will highlight its commitment to social justice during the regular season through game-day stadium activations and awareness. Inspire Change, the league’s year-round social justice initiative. will come to life on the field through Weeks 15 and 16, integrating in-stadium elements as well as video content during game broadcasts that highlight the impactful social justice work done by NFL players, clubs, the league office, and social justice grant partners to break down barriers to opportunity and end systemic racism. During this time, the NFL will raise awareness for social justice, in addition to announcing this year’s Changemaker award recipients and new social justice grant partners.
Since 2017, the NFL and Inspire Change have supported player-led efforts to engage with team owners, public officials, law enforcement, academic institutions, community partners and more to identify meaningful ways to address pervasive social justice issues. To date, the NFL Family has contributed more than $300 million to empower more than 650 local non-profits, 1,950 player and Legend matching grants, and 40 national grant partners to drive change.
“For years, the NFL has embraced our role in creating systemic change by investing in and partnering with those on the frontlines of social justice work, including players, clubs, partners and more,” said Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. “Each December, Inspire Change weeks serve to celebrate and amplify our shared stories and efforts, while also looking ahead to the work that still remains. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far and are honored to recognize the dedication and impact of our partners.”
During Inspire Change weeks, clubs will highlight in-stadium activations including endzone stencils with social justice messaging “It Takes All of Us” and “End Racism,” goalpost wraps and banners, sideline branding, helmet stickers, and Inspire Change branded towels for players.
Additionally, the NFL will be featuring social justice stories, videos, and more on its social media channels and the NFL Network throughout the next two weeks.to highlight the impactful work being done by NFL players and grant partners in their local communities. Featured players include Jaylon Johnson (CHI), Arik Armstead (SF), and Zaire Franklin (IND).
This year’s Inspire Change campaign creative centers around laying the groundwork for the next generation. The two spots, one featuring Jared Goff (DET) and the other featuring Bobby Wagner (SEA), highlight changemakers from a few of our grant partners who are developing a framework of success for the next wave of leaders to thrive in.
Additionally, the NFL has again worked with Nike and New Era to provide Inspire Change branded gear for coaches, players, and all sideline personnel, including sweatshirts, fitted caps, snap backs, flexfits, knits and adjustable headwear. The New Era collection features several silhouettes with all 32 clubs represented and is available for purchase at NewEraCap.com, NFLShop.com, and Fanatics. Proceeds from the sale of Inspire Change merchandise fund grants in under-resourced communities.
Later today, the NFL will announce its 2023 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.
This week, the NFL will also announce its new 2024 grant partners, who will help drive support 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 2023 Social Justice Impact Report, visit www.nfl.com/inspirechange.
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