As June progresses, the absence of traditional Pride Month declarations could potentially convey a message to conservative segments of the population regarding the priorities of team leadership for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. Armando Salguero of Outkick highlights that the NFL’s upper echelons, including Commissioner Roger Goodell, have historically participated in an annual gala with GLAAD and endorsed various events within the LGBTQ community.
Public sentiment towards LGBTQ rights has experienced a notable shift, with a record-breaking 71% of Americans expressing comfort with gay marriage in a 2023 Gallup poll. This sentiment aligns with the legalization of gay marriage nationwide following the Supreme Court’s landmark Obergefell decision in 2015. Despite this, former President Donald Trump has previously voiced his acceptance of gay marriage and has not signaled intentions to revoke this right if re-elected. However, it’s worth noting that a significant portion of his base holds more conservative cultural views and is quick to criticize brands, organizations, or institutions, such as the NFL, if they perceive them to engage in excessive virtue-signaling.
