NFL 2021 season will include Black national anthem, social justice messages again: report

close

Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for July 15

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The Black national anthem is reportedly set to return before NFL games for good starting in 2021.

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" was played before the start of Week 1 games during the 2020 NFL season, and Front Office Sports reported Wednesday the NFL plans to make it a "prominent part of big league events."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The NFL allowed social justice phrases like "End Racism" to be painted in the back of teams’ end zones, and players were able to honor victims of systemic racism and police violence last year. Front Office Sports reported the NFL plans on ratcheting up the messaging for the 2021 season.

The national anthem is usually only heard before early-season games or some primetime games, the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft. "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was played before Super Bowl LV and the draft in April.

FLASHBACK: NFL FANS APPEAR TO BOO CHIEFS, TEXANS PLAYERS DURING MOMENT OF UNITY BEFORE COIN TOSS

The league made the decision to play "Lift Every Voice and Sing" before Week 1 games last year in the midst of a summer of racial unrest across major metropolitan cities in the U.S.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged the Black Lives Matter movement as well.

"We, at the National Football League, believe Black lives matter. I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country," he said in last year’s video.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"Without Black players, there would be no National Football League and the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of Black players, coaches, fans and staff. We are listening, I am listening, and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united NFL family."