NFL Announces “One Flag, One Anthem” Policy, Excludes “Black National Anthem” From Next Season’s Berlin Opening

In a bold and controversial decision, the NFL has announced that it will eliminate the “Black National Anthem,” also known as “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” from its opening festivities starting in the 2025 season. This decision, made just ahead of the season’s start in Berlin, Germany, has stirred passionate debates about race, inclusion, and the role of national symbols in professional sports.

Since 2020, the NFL has included the “Black National Anthem” during key events like the Super Bowl and the season opener in a gesture to address racial injustice and honor the contributions of Black Americans. The anthem was added in response to the Black Lives Matter movement and the murder of George Floyd, which spurred national conversations about racial inequality and systemic racism. For many, the anthem was a powerful symbol of the Black community’s struggle for civil rights and a call for continued social change.

However, the league’s decision to exclude the anthem from the 2025 season opener in Berlin has led to widespread criticism. The NFL introduced the directive with the slogan “One Flag, One Anthem,” signaling a shift toward presenting a unified, patriotic message at the start of the season. According to NFL executives, this change is intended to foster national unity and appeal to a broader fanbase, many of whom have raised concerns about the politicization of sports.

Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, defended the decision, saying in a statement: “We’ve always supported diversity, inclusion, and respect for all our fans and players. However, we believe it’s time to move forward with one national anthem that reflects the unity of our league and our country. We understand that the ‘Black National Anthem’ holds deep cultural significance, but we believe it’s time to focus on the values that bring us together.”