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NFL Replaces 'End Racism' with 'Shake It Off' in Super Bowl End Zones Amidst National Crises

Writer's picture: Chadwick DolgosChadwick Dolgos

The NFL has officially announced that for Super Bowl LIX, the traditional message of "End Racism" painted in the end zones will be replaced with the phrase "Shake It Off."


This decision comes in the wake of several national tragedies, including the plane crashes in Philadelphia and Washington D.C., the terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day, followed immediately by the Tesla Cybertruck suicide bomber at Trump Towers.


The NFL's choice of "Shake It Off" has been met with skepticism by some who see it as an attempt to tap into the massive fanbase of pop icon Taylor Swift.


Critics argue that the league should avoid political statements altogether, focusing instead on the sport itself. "This is just another marketing tactic to save face after losing millions of viewers with their WOKE agenda," said Calvin Broadus, a longtime Pittsburgh Steelers fan. "They're trying to ride the coattails of Taylor Swift's popularity to boost viewership."



The NFL, however, has denied any connection to Swift's hit song of the same name.


In a statement to The Washington Wick, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy clarified, "The phrase 'Shake It Off' was chosen to embody the resilience and positivity we believe Americans need to embrace during these challenging times. It has no association with any musical artist."


The statement went on to clarify that the NFL in its entirety has never even heard Swift's "Shake It Off", which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on September 6, 2014, prior to the rebranding.


"While we at the NFL now recognizes that 'Shake It Off' is a catchy song that we have all grown to love, we admittedly made this decision before ever listening to Swift's musical masterpiece," the statement stated.


Yet, not everyone is convinced. Social media platforms are filled with debates over whether this is a strategic move to blend sports with pop culture. "It's a clear cash grab," tweeted one user. "Next, they'll have Swift playing on the field... it's all retarded."


Amidst the controversy, one activist, Lisa Green, expressed her conflicted feelings.


"I've been advocating against racism for years, but I've got to admit, I love Taylor Swift more than my own parents," Green confessed to our reporter. "But, does 'Shake It Off' really send the message we need right now? We have a racist Nazi dictator in the White House, and the NFL wants us to just shake it off?"


The shift in messaging has also opened up discussions about the role of sports in social activism. Some argue that the NFL should stick to football, leaving the end zones free of any slogans.


"Why can't we just enjoy the game without a political statement every time we look at the field?" questioned sports commentator Mike Johnson during a recent broadcast.


However, others see the potential for a positive impact.


"If 'Shake It Off' can resonate with younger audiences and inspire them to move past divisiveness, maybe it’s not such a bad idea," suggested cultural analyst Dr. Helen Smith in an interview with CNN.


The Washington Wick reached out to Taylor Swift for comment, but had not received a response at the time of publication.


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