The COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus pandemic, has brought about massive economic devastation and a huge cultural shift in our society. Since the start of the public health crisis, black and people of color have been the hardest hit by the virus. The NFL has announced this week a donation of over $3 million in collaboration with its Inspire Change platform and the Players Coalition toward relief efforts for the viral outbreak. The funds will go toward the seven markets that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19.
The donation’s funds will go to health systems, individual hospitals, and nonprofit organizations in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, and Washington, D.C. The deal is apart of an ongoing collaboration of NFL players, clubs, and owners to address racial inequality and social injustice issues within the country.
“We know that during this difficult time, our minority and low-income communities are struggling disproportionately with the impact of COVID-19,” said Players Coalition co-founder and Working Group member Anquan Boldin in a press statement. “Communities in Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore and more are getting hit hard right now, and we want to do our part in ensuring these areas have even the basic needs. We are glad we can partner with the NFL to support the organizations who are on the ground providing for these families.”
More than $50 million has already been donated toward COVID-19 relief by the greater NFL family, now including the NFL’s Inspire Change social justice contribution. Inspire Change supports NFL players, clubs, and nonprofit grant partners.
“This is a difficult time for our nation, and it is important for us to continue to find ways to support those that need it most,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We have an opportunity to direct financial resources to the hardest hit populations. This pandemic is having a tragic effect on communities of color and through Inspire Change and our relationship with the Players Coalition, we are pleased to be able to help where we can.”