The NFL is making headlines ahead of Super Bowl LIX, opting to replace the "End Racism" end zone message it’s used since 2021 with "Choose Love." The league told CNN this decision has nothing to do with President Donald Trump, who the White House confirmed will be at the game. Trump would become the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl. 

Trump’s appearance at Sunday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans has already stirred debate.

NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said that the new messaging aims to inspire unity during challenging times, stating, “The Super Bowl often serves as a reflection of the times, and the NFL holds a unique position to lift the nation’s spirit.” 

“Choose Love' is appropriate to use,” the statement continued, “as our country has endured in recent weeks wildfires in southern California, the terrorist attack here in New Orleans, the plane and helicopter crash near our nation’s capital and the plane crash in Philadelphia."

The opposite end zone will feature "It Takes All of Us," another slogan tied to the league's Inspire Change initiative. In their respective conference championship games, the Eagles’ end zone in Philadelphia read “End Racism” while Kansas City opted for “Choose Love” on their field.

Despite speculation linking the change to Trump’s presence, McCarthy told CNN that there is "no connection" between the decision and the president’s attendance. However, with the Trump administration aggressively dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including signing executive orders defunding federal DEI offices and placing employees on leave, there’s open skepticism about the timing of this shift.

Trump's attendance adds yet another layer of intrigue to America’s biggest sporting event, which kicks off February 9 at 6:30pm on FOX. 

As Trump arrives in New Orleans, one question remains: What’s the betting line on him standing or sitting for “Lift Every Voice and Sing”?