KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Football League and the National Football League Players Association announced Thursday steps they're taking to affect national change in the 2020 season.
In a year filled with nationwide protests over the fatal shootings of Black people by police officers, the organizations said they felt compelled to take action.
"We also agree, that our focus must continue to be on on action and have agreed to take the following additional steps in support of our shared commitment to social justice and equality," the organizations said in a release.
Building on plans announced earlier this summer pic.twitter.com/1jwcH5qP7n
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) September 3, 2020
The actions by the NFL and NFLPA strongly center around making sure voting is accessible to players and their families.
Among the initiatives announced is the closing of all NFL and NFLPA facilities on Tuesday, Nov. 3, so that all players have the chance to vote.
Educating players and their families on how to vote is another step the organizations are taking in the 2020 season as they will sponsor educational programs on how to vote leading up to election day.
Earlier this week the league said it would paint social justice messages in the end zones during the game which say things like "End Racism," and "It takes all of us."
"We are proud of our current and former players for the extraordinary work that they do in our communities. Club-owners and employees are proud to support and work alongside the players to make our country, better, fairer and more equal," the organizations said Thursday.
