International diversity will be celebrated in the National Football League (NFL) when more than 330 players and coaches will take the field and sidelines displaying a flag decal that represents their heritage and cultural background.
The NFL Heritage Program will take place during weeks 7 and 8 this season. Week 7 started on Thursday (October 19) and runs through Monday (October 23). Week 8 runs from October 26-30.
All 32 teams will be represented in the program with players and coaches from more than 70 nations and territories across the globe. Players will wear their flag decals on their helmets, and coaches will wear a patch on their jackets.
Of the 330 players and coaches participating, 41 of them (33 players and eight coaches) are from Latin American countries and territories. They are Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, Nicaragua, Brazil, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, and Honduras.
“I’m very proud of my background and am happy to honor my heritage by representing both Puerto Rico and Mexico through the NFL Heritage program,” Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Commanders, said in a statement. “What a fantastic way to show the love of the game across the world.”
Peter O’Reilly, an executive vice president with the NFL said the league is aiming to “prioritize the NFL’s growth globally” with the program. “This initiative allows us to celebrate the heritage, families and cultures that make up the fabric of the League,” he said. “[The NFL Heritage Program] truly showcases the growing global reach and impact of the sport of football and the NFL.”
