It’s looking like the ripple effects of the Bud Light boycott are still with us.
2024 marked the biggest cultural shift across the NFL with 9 franchises “boycotting” statements to mark the beginning of pride month.
Rainbow recognition often varies between the 32 teams; some will release a statement, add the rainbow colors to their profiles, or mix between the two. In course, the NFL reposts some of these messages if it doesn’t release its own.
This year, however, saw a notable absence among 9 franchises, namely the Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tennessee Titans.
(The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, while late to the party, have since put out pro-pride posts).
It is of course important to remember that non-compliance does not mean opposition. None of the 9 franchises have stressed any objections to the virtue signaling; instead, they have simply opted not to take part in it. Regardless, in an era where putting out such statements is as certain as the sun coming up tomorrow, an absence of one is almost certainly a calculated move.
There could be a myriad of reasons for nearly one-third of the league maintaining silence. After all, the U.S. is deeply divided at present, with sports offering an escape from political debate. It’s not unreasonable to allow sports fans to enjoy the spectacle away from the day-to-day political arguments.
There’s also an argument to be made that corporations participate in pride month festivities as a form of virtue signaling. If the general trend is in favor of rainbow colors, then large companies may take part in the charade to avoid being canceled.
How has your team reacted to pride month? Do you think they should engage with it, or is it just more virtue signaling that sports could do without? Let us know in the comments below.
