The American flag has appeared on the back of NFL helmets since the 1990 postseason. For at least the next two weeks, it will be accompanied on many players’ helmets by the flags of more than 70 other nations from around the globe.
The international flags are part of the NFL’s annual NFL Heritage program. As explained by the league, “Participants can choose to wear the flag of an international country or territory where relatives have been born or where they’ve lived for over two years.” Although the program is being showcased in weeks 7 and 8, the press release says players “are able to represent their backgrounds throughout the remainder of the season.”
According to the league, over 330 players and coaches, drawn from all 32 teams, are participating. Among players, the Cardinals and Lions have the most participants (18 apiece), while the Steelers have the fewest (three). Among players and coaches, the country represented most often is Nigeria (80 times).
The full list of participants can be found here.
I am a bit surprised that there are not more players participating… maybe they’re not “into” their family Heritage or “too busy”…
I’m guessing that the equipment manager just asked them if they wanted a extra flag and which one…?
Cool that Nigeria is well represented I wish there was an NFL version of their soccer kit, love that uniform
“Participants can choose to wear the flag of an international country or territory where relatives have been born or where they’ve lived for over two years.”
I’m guessing that that excludes a lot more people than one would think, depending on how many generations back the NFL is allowing people to use their “relatives.”
It would have been interesting to see if any of the participating players were wearing flags from Ukraine, Russia, Palestine, Israel or other nations in active conflicts. Maybe the NFL purposely didn’t include those but either way, none are on the participation list.
bill belichick has been wearing a jacket with the craotia flag on it this season. I assume that it is the same one from last year. there might be other examples too but thats the one that i am aware of
The vexillologist in me welcomes this development.
Reply of the Day!
No United Nations flag? I would opt for that one.
They added these flag decals after 9/11. I am surprised they haven’t gotten rid of them by now. They clutter up the back of the helmet, and they are trying to become an international sport.