The National Football League on Monday released its “Football is gay” video embracing homosexuality and transgenderism.
“The NFL told Outsports that its intention with the ‘Football is for everyone’ video is to send a strong message of acceptance from the league to fans and players,” according to “Outsports.” “The video is a direct response to the coming out of Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib, Outsports was told by league spokesperson Samantha Roth.”
“In the new film ‘Football is for Everyone’ from the NFL in partnership with The Trevor Project and creative agency 72andSunny Los Angeles, the league redefines the game to be inclusive of all different types of fans, coaches and players,” the NFL said in a statement. “The film also features The Trevor Project to highlight life-saving resources for LGTBQ+ youth.”
If you love this game, you are welcome here. Football is for all. Football is for everyone.
The NFL stands by the LGBTQ+ community today and every day.
For more information on how you can help the @TrevorProject, visit https://t.co/YtauzLAHIF pic.twitter.com/bkdWkAZ3vF
— NFL (@NFL) June 28, 2021
“This spot is about celebrating pride, and the importance of inclusion,” said Tim Ellis, NFL chief marketing officer. “It’s imperative that we use our voice and leverage the NFL platform to drive positive change, which includes supporting what our players care about and what they stand for.”
READ: Consumers tired of politics in sports
The video comes a week after Nassib came out as gay in an Instagram post. “What’s up, people? I’m at my house in West Chester, Pennsylvania. I just want to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay,” Nassib said in the video.
In response to Nassib, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement expressing his support.
“The NFL family is proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today,” he said. “Representation matters. We share his hope that someday soon statements like his will no longer be newsworthy as we march toward full equality for the LGBTQ+ community. We wish Carl the best of luck this coming season.”
The video comes after the NFL this week began seeking partners for its next football season. The organization lost over $4 billion last season and attributed it to Covid but a poll found viewers fled over its participation in the culture issues.
A study conducted by Rasmussen Reports revealed nearly one-third (32 percent) are “less likely to watch an NFL game” due to players taking a stand and protesting the national anthem. Thirteen percent want to watch a game because of the protests. Fifty-two percent do not base their viewing choice on the protests at all.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
