NFL Releases Botham Jean PSA to Raise Awareness about Police Brutality ahead of Super Bowl

Millions of people around the country are gearing up for Super Bowl LIV as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL, this Sunday. And while not everyone has front row seats, countless people will be tuned in for the game, the halftime show, and of course, the commercials.

Super Bowl commercials have proven to be an impactful way to convey a message to the masses over the years beyond traditional advertising. And this year, the NFL wanted to be sure that it did not miss out on the opportunity to leave viewers with a powerful one.

Last week, the NFL released the “We Are In This Together” PSA to raise awareness about police brutality which highlights the life of Botham Jean, an unarmed black man who was shot and killed by former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger in his home while eating ice cream and watching football. Botham was 26 years old.

In October, Guyger was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. And while Jean’s brother publicly forgave Guyger, many have not found it in their hearts to do so. And others have spoken out about what they believe is an inadequate sentence.

The PSA is a visual montage narrated by Jean’s mother, Alisson; father, Bertrum Jean, and sister, Allisa Charles-Findley.

In the ad, the Jean family reflects on the moments they shared with their loved one. Jean’s mother says, “To know Botham, was to love Botham.” And his father says, “Life is not sweet anymore.”

The ad is the third visual to be produced by the NFL and Roc Nation as a part of the Responsibility Program initiative spearheaded by Jay-Z in 2019.

The ad is set to run during the Super Bowl.

In honor of Jean’s legacy, his sister created the Botham Jean Foundation. To learn more, click here.