On the heels of the NFL affirming that black lives matter and condemning racism, the league plans to increase its social justice footprint by pledging to donate $ 250 million over a 10-year period.
The commitment extends and expands the initial deal owners struck with the Players Coalition that likely would have surpassed $ 100 million during its term. The Players Coalition is the main group that negotiated with owners on behalf of players who began demonstrating during the national anthem in 2016 to shine a light on police brutality and systemic oppression.
The additional funds owners have approved are intended to “combat systemic racism and support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans,” one league official wrote in a text message to The Undefeated.
What’s more, the NFL, is committed to collaborating with players to determine new paths forward in support of programs to address criminal justice reform, police reform and economic and educational advancement of underprivileged communities. To this end, the NFL intends to leverage its media properties, including NFL Films and NFL Network, to increase the awareness of social justice issues.
In the first two-plus seasons of the agreement with the Players Coalition, the NFL has already donated $ 44 million to fund social justice work. On the national level, the league has awarded grants to 20 organizations. Additionally, the NFL Foundation has funded 350 grassroots programs.
