While 25 NFL teams and the league itself have shown support for LGBTQ+ pride, including selling Pride-themed merchandise, the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and other teams are yet to publicly address Pride Month this year, despite the NFL’s commitment to inclusion.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys are among several NFL teams that have not publicly addressed Pride Month, which began on June 1. Although 25 NFL franchises and the league itself have shared posts celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, these two teams, along with the Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee Titans, have not made any public acknowledgements this year.
Despite their silence on social media, some teams are selling Pride-themed merchandise, such as T-shirts, hats, and home décor, featuring their logos on the official NFL Shop. For instance, the Detroit Lions have promoted their Pride Month apparel collection online, and the Washington Commanders updated their profile picture on X with a rainbow-colored “W” logo.
The NFL has reiterated its commitment to inclusion following an anti-LGBTQ+ graduation speech by Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker at Benedictine College. Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s Chief Diversity Officer, emphasized that Butker’s views are his own and do not represent the league.
In previous years, the NFL has demonstrated support for the LGBTQ+ community through various initiatives, including releasing a line of Pride gear, hosting Pride parties at the Super Bowl, and sharing inclusive messages on social media.
In contrast, the NBA’s Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks have openly supported Pride Month, with both teams posting messages of solidarity on their social media platforms. Similarly, Major League Baseball, with the exception of the Texas Rangers, has planned Pride Nights for all but one of its 30 teams.
