As Pride Month unfolds, the NFL has once again showcased its support for the LGBTQ+ community through a dedicated apparel line and various celebrations.
Despite these efforts, nine NFL teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys, have not publicly addressed Pride Month on their social media platforms.
Chiefs staying mute after Harrison Butker fiasco
Beginning on June 1, Pride Month celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and commemorates the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
This year, 25 NFL teams, along with the league itself, have shared Pride-inspired messages on social media.
However, the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, and other teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, and Pittsburgh Steelers, have remained silent.
Despite their lack of public acknowledgment, several of these teams are selling Pride-themed merchandise featuring their logos.
Fans can find T-shirts, hats, and other rainbow-hued products available for purchase on the official NFL Shop.
While teams like the Detroit Lions actively promote their Pride apparel collection, others such as the Washington Commanders have changed their profile pictures to display their support.
In light of the Chiefs’ kicker Harrison Butker’s recent anti-LGBTQ+ speech, the NFL reiterated its commitment to inclusion.
“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” said Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s Chief Diversity Officer.
“His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”
NFL backs LGBTQ+ organizations
The NFL has emphasized its ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community beyond just Pride Month.
On its Pride-specific page, the league states: “The NFL provides financial support and collaboration with a host of different organizations that serve the LGBTQ community, including GLAAD, the Trevor Project, Athlete Ally, the National Gay Flag Football League, and Covenant House.
Their collective work comes to life at various events, via social media campaigns, through PSAs, via charitable contributions, and more.
The League also works with local LGBTQ+ organizations surrounding NFL events-including Super Bowl-in each host city.”
While the NFL continues to promote inclusivity and support through various initiatives, the silence from these nine teams has not gone unnoticed.
Fans and advocates alike are calling for more consistent and visible support for the LGBTQ+ community from all NFL franchises, not just during Pride Month but throughout the entire year.