Total Pro Sports
Thursday marked Juneteenth, and while it’s been a federal holiday for a few years now, the recognition from across the NFL feels especially timely. Social media lit up with messages from teams around the league, not just checking a box but embracing the spirit of the day with meaning and purpose.
Juneteenth, observed every June 19, commemorates the moment in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Though President Joe Biden officially signed it into law as a federal holiday in 2021, its deeper significance resonates far beyond the legislative stamp. In a league where representation and equality are constant conversations, teams are stepping up to show they’re listening.
From Cincinnati to Jacksonville, franchises ensured their voices added to the chorus of commemoration. The Cincinnati Bengals posted, “Honoring freedom, unity, and achievement — today and always. Happy Juneteenth, Who Dey Nation!” The message wasn’t just a nod to NFL history but a reflection of ongoing values.
In Dallas, the Cowboys encouraged their followers to take the day seriously. “Today, we celebrate freedom. #Juneteenth is a day to reflect, educate, and commemorate,“ they shared. The Cleveland Browns echoed that sentiment, writing, “Today, we honor #Juneteenth as a celebration of freedom and resilience, and as a reminder of our ongoing journey towards equality.”
#Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day Union soldiers freed slaves in Texas, ending slavery in the United States.@RISEtoWIN has a comprehensive Juneteenth Resource for education about this important holiday: https://t.co/oLljMjXNb1 pic.twitter.com/YK57j7zX4s
— Troy Vincent, Sr. (@TroyVincentSr) June 19, 2025
NFL Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons also used their platforms to amplify the meaning of the day. The Steelers described it as “a day to celebrate, educate, reflect, take action, and inspire change for a better future,” while the Falcons stated, “Juneteenth is a day to commemorate the historical strength, courage and impact of African Americans. Today, and every day, we celebrate freedom.”
Troy Vincent Sr., the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations, shared a personal message on social media Thursday, continuing his consistent advocacy for equity and opportunity across the league.
Even as attention builds for the 2025 NFL season, starting with a headline Week 1 clash between the Eagles and Cowboys, teams are taking time to honor the past. Juneteenth isn’t just a day off for some; in the NFL, it’s becoming a day of purpose.
Also Read: 7 Quarterback Controversies Heading into the 2025 NFL Season
