NEW YORK (AP) – The National Football League (NFL) will pay tribute to the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. by showcasing the message “Choose Love” in the end zones as well as on helmet decals during all divisional round playoff games this weekend. This initiative is part of the league's ongoing commitment to social responsibility and reflects the values championed by Dr. King.

The phrase “Choose Love” will be complemented by the message “It Takes All of Us,” which will appear in the opposing end zone at the Super Bowl next month. Furthermore, the host teams participating in the conference championship games will have the responsibility to select the specific end zone stencils that will be displayed during their matches.

Anna Isaacson, the Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility for the NFL, stated that Dr. King’s message continues to guide the league’s approach to impactful moments. She remarked, “‘Choose Love’ has become an important and widely embraced message for our teams because it reflects the values Dr. King championed – dignity, empathy, and a commitment to our shared humanity." This message will resurface during the Divisional Round and again at Super Bowl LX, emphasizing its enduring relevance.

The “Choose Love” initiative was first introduced in 2022, when the Buffalo Bills adopted it as a unifying message following a tragic shooting incident in Buffalo. The message has garnered widespread acceptance among NFL teams, being prominently featured during the Super Bowl in the previous year after a violent attack occurred in New Orleans.

For the past six seasons, the NFL has incorporated on-field social justice messaging into its games. During this time, teams have been able to feature an end zone message of their choosing at their home games, selecting from four available options: “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love,” or “Inspire Change.” For all games, the phrase “It Takes All of Us” has been consistently stenciled in the opposite end zone.

This initiative signifies not only a recognition of the critical social issues that resonate throughout the country but also underscores the NFL's dedication to fostering a culture of inclusivity and compassion in sports. By leveraging its platform, the league aims to promote messages of unity and understanding among fans and the broader community.

As the NFL continues to implement and showcase these meaningful messages during high-stakes playoff games, it reflects the commitment of the league and its constituents to uplift Dr. King's vision of love and unity in society.