NFL Teams Up With White House For Salute To America 250th Anniversary
League begins commemorative events in Week 18 instead of waiting until July 2026 milestone
The NFL, in coordination with the White House's Salute to America 250 Task Force, is beginning the national celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independance a bit early and carrying through the 2026 season.
The league announced Wednesday that in 2026 it will participate in the nationwide recognition of the 250th anniversary of the July 4, 1776 resolution announcing the United States as a free and independent nation.
Members of the Tuscaloosa County Bar Association gather and read the Declaration of Independence on the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse steps July 2, 2024 as a part of the nation's Independence Day celebration.
NFL Begins 250th Celebration This Season
But, the NFL apparently figures, why wait until July 2026 to start recognizing the founding charter of American sovereignty?
Beginning in Week 18 of this regular season and continuing throughout the playoffs, the NFL will celebrate the "semiquincentennial on-field in NFL stadiums across the country, as well as during game broadcasts," the league said in a release.
"The NFL is proud to participate in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. "The story of the NFL reflects the story of America, and the American spirit of resilience, innovation and teamwork has helped football grow into a cultural pastime that unites us all. We are excited to honor our country’s history and celebrate our collective future."
Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; The flyover during the National Anthem prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
NFL Rolls Out 250th Footballs, Gear
The NFL says its 32 clubs and players will begin celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in Week 18 and continuing throughout the playoffs. Special commemorative footballs featuring the America 250 logo will be predominantly utilized in games.
In addition, every game in Week 18 and throughout the playoffs will feature an America 250 stencil on the sidelines. Game officials will also use America 250 branded coins for the coin toss, which will later be auctioned off for charity on the NFL Auction platform.
Coaches and staff will receive commemorative sideline apparel for playoff games, and fans may participate in the celebration through the forthcoming launch of club-specific America 250 fan apparel.
(Yes, the NFL knows how to make money).
People look over a copy of the Declaration of Independence that was on display at the Henry Ford Museum at the "With Liberty and Justice for All" exhibit in Dearborn on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Back then, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams commissioned an engraver to make copies of the original. It took three years to make, but by 1824, Congress distributed 200 copies of it. Of those, 31 have been located, and 23 are in the hands of public institutions.
Super Bowl And Draft Will Join Celebration
Additionally, the league is collaborating with its broadcast partners to feature a special performance of "God Bless America" at the Saturday night game in Week 18.
The NFL will continue its celebrations of this national milestone at league-wide events in 2026, including Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area and the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.