NFL fans watching the playoff games this weekend will notice the phrase “Choose Love” prominently displayed on helmets and in the end zones. This initiative coincides with the Divisional Round of games, which features matchups including the Bills vs. Broncos, Seahawks vs. 49ers, Patriots vs. Texans, and Bears vs. Rams.
The NFL has adopted “Choose Love” to pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. as Monday marks MLK Day. Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, emphasized the enduring significance of Dr. King’s message, stating, “Dr. King’s message continues to guide how we show up in meaningful moments across the league. ‘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. Bringing it forward in the Divisional Round and again at Super Bowl LX reflects that continued relevance.”
The Bills were the first team to adopt the “Choose Love” slogan back in 2022 in response to a mass shooting in Buffalo. Throughout the season, NFL teams had the option to use “Choose Love” among other choices for end-zone stenciling. As the league celebrates MLK Day, it is uplifting to see this positive message resonating across all playoff games, fostering an environment of love and unity.