The NFL is rolling out a league-wide celebration for America's 250th birthday, and fans will start seeing the first touches of it on the field in January.
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Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Wednesday that the league will use specially embossed footballs, commemorative field markings and other nods to the Semiquincentennial throughout the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Goodell said the NFL is coordinating its efforts with the White House's Salute to America 250 Task Force as part of a long-planned partnership with the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.
"The NFL is proud to participate in celebrating America's 250th anniversary," Goodell said in a statement. "The story of the NFL reflects the story of America, and the American spirit of resilience, innovation and teamwork has helped football grow into a cultural pastime that unites us all.
'We are excited to honor our country's history and celebrate our collective future."
Each team has already received co-branded footballs featuring the America 250 logo. They will first be used in Week 18 games on Jan. 3-4.
Plans for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara and the 2026 season are still being finalized.
The celebration will be visible in several ways. Fields across the league will feature special end zone markings, referees will flip commemorative coins, and team shops will carry America 250 merchandise for fans.
The NFL first announced its involvement with the semiquincentennial effort in 2021.
The league's full slate of America 250 elements will roll out gradually, but the message is clear: the NFL plans to make the country's landmark birthday part of its biggest moments over the next two seasons.
