NFL ‘to allow players to wear helmet decals honoring the victims of police brutality’ 

The NFL is expected to invite players to wear helmet decals honoring the victims of police brutality this season in a continuance of the league’s effort to combat systemic racism.

As a source with knowledge of the discussions confirmed to the Daily Mail, the NFL is currently finalizing the plan allowing individual players to choose the victim they wish to honor. Players would not be required to wear a decal, which would likely feature a victim’s initials.

George Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis police in May, and Breonna Taylor, who was shot to death in her apartment by Louisville police in March, are expected to be among those honored with a helmet decal.

Front Office Sports was the first to report the news.

George Floyd (left), who was killed by Minneapolis police in May, and Breonna Taylor (right), who was shot to death in her apartment by Louisville police in March, are expected to be among those honored with a helmet decal

NFL teams often honor deceased owners, players, or colleagues with helmet decals or jersey patches. In 2018, after New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson died, players were seen wearing helmet decals featuring his silhouette and his initials

After first keeping the protests at arm’s length, the NFL is now embracing the demonstrations  

Previously the NFL was known to be strict with regards to any messaging on league uniforms or even players’ cleats, but those regulations are loosening amid an increased focus on social justice.  

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that the league plans to play ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ considered by many to be black Americans’ national anthem, before the Star-Spangled Banner in Week 1.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said last month that the league made a mistake by not listening to players about racist police brutality.

Eric Garner, who was killed during a violent arrest in New York in 2014, is another victim of police violence who could be honored

Furthermore, Goodell said he’d encourage teams to sign Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who first protested inequality in 2016 by kneeling during the anthem. 

Kaepernick has been a free agent since March of 2017, when he opted out of the final year of his contract in anticipation of his release. In February of 2019, the NFL settled a grievance with Kaepernick for an undisclosed amount after he accused league owners of blackballing him in retaliation for the controversial protests.

NFL teams often honor deceased owners, players, or colleagues with helmet decals or jersey patches.   

In 2018, after New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson died, players were seen wearing helmet decals featuring his silhouette and his initials. In 2011, the New England Patriots honored Myra Kraft, owner Robert Kraft’s late wife, with a jersey patch featuring her initials.

Eric Reid (left) and Colin Kaepernick (right) protest racist police brutality before a 2016 game