NFL Blasted for ‘Woke’ End Racism Field Slogan — and Shocking Spitting Incident – With Link Lauren
The NFL’s recent season opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys wasn’t just a clash of football titans—it was a lightning rod for cultural debate. From “End Racism” slogans painted on the field to the playing of multiple national anthems and a heated spitting incident between players, the league finds itself at the center of controversy over whether its social justice messaging is genuine or merely performative.
“End Racism”: Sincere Statement or Empty Gesture?
Five years after the death of George Floyd and the nationwide protests that followed, the NFL continues to make social justice a visible part of its brand. Messages like “End Racism” and “It Takes All of Us” are emblazoned in end zones, and the league has introduced the performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”—commonly referred to as the Black national anthem—alongside “The Star-Spangled Banner” at games.
But not everyone is convinced the league’s efforts are sincere. On a recent episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” host Megyn Kelly and guest Link Lauren, host of “Spot On with Link Lauren,” criticized the NFL’s approach. Kelly referenced her friend Greg Kelly’s on-air frustration, echoing the sentiment of many fans who feel the league’s social justice campaigns have become tiresome and divisive.
“We’re five years past George Floyd, and we still have to start games with a special anthem just for Black people? Why?” Kelly asked, questioning the need for separate anthems and continued on-field messaging.
Lauren agreed, expressing skepticism about the existence of systemic racism in the NFL—a league where, as he noted, “so many black men are making tens of millions of dollars” based on merit, not race. He and Kelly both argued that football, with its diverse teams and merit-based selection, is already a model of racial progress.
The Backlash: Fans and Commentators Weigh In
The criticism isn’t limited to Kelly and Lauren. Many fans have taken to social media to express their fatigue with what they see as “performative” activism. Some believe the NFL’s messaging is more about public relations than real change, pointing to the lack of measurable impact from these campaigns. As Kelly noted, “Five previous seasons of this performative gesture has not seemed to solve all of society’s ills, but the NFL remains undeterred.”
Others argue that the focus on identity politics—whether through slogans, anthems, or other gestures—alienates core segments of the NFL’s audience, particularly “middle America.” Lauren summed up the sentiment: “We’re not doing identity politics anymore. We want a merit-based society, merit-based administration, merit-based sports teams.”
On-Field Drama: Spitting Incident Adds Fuel to the Fire
As if the controversy over messaging wasn’t enough, the season opener was marred by an ugly altercation. Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on a Cowboys player, an incident that started when Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott appeared to spit in Carter’s direction. The unsportsmanlike conduct was caught on camera and replayed on air, drawing further criticism of player behavior.
Kelly and Lauren couldn’t help but mock the incident, with Lauren joking about the “homoerotic” nature of the confrontation and Kelly lamenting the Eagles’ history of questionable personnel decisions—including the hiring of Michael Vick after his dogfighting conviction.
Are Fans Ready to Move On?
The larger question remains: Are fans—and the country—ready to move past the NFL’s social justice campaigns? Kelly and Lauren argue that most Americans are focused on everyday concerns, not on the identity of the person next to them at a football game. They see sports as a unifier, not a platform for political or social messaging.
“Sports is the number one unifier and equalizer,” Lauren said. “So why do you even need the ‘End Racism’ message?”
The NFL’s Dilemma
The NFL is in a precarious position. On one hand, it faces pressure from activists and some fans to use its platform for positive social change. On the other, it risks alienating a significant portion of its audience who see these efforts as hollow or divisive. The continued backlash, both over the “End Racism” campaign and on-field conduct, suggests the league has yet to find the right balance.
As the season progresses, the NFL will need to decide whether to double down on its messaging or shift its focus back to the game itself. Either way, the debate over performative activism in sports is far from over.
The NFL’s ongoing social justice messaging and high-profile player incidents have reignited national debates about race, merit, and the role of sports in society. Whether these gestures are seen as meaningful or merely performative, one thing is clear: fans and commentators alike are demanding authenticity and a return to the unifying spirit that once defined America’s game.
