NFL Reveals Plan to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with Special Footballs, More

The NFL announced Wednesday that it will begin celebrating the United States of America's 250th anniversary in January.

Per ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr., NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement regarding the initiative, which will include special "America 250" branding late this season and into next season.

"The NFL is proud to participate in celebrating America's 250th anniversary," Goodell said. "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."

Per Van Natta, the NFL noted in a press release that NFL footballs will feature the America 250 logo, plus end zones will have American 250 markings and commemorative American 250 coins will be flipped at the start of games.

On top of that, fans will be able to purchase co-branded NFL and American 250 merchandise in the near future.

The NFL-American 250 celebration will begin in Week 18 of this season and carry on through the playoffs and for much of the 2026 campaign as well.

The United States became a sovereign nation in 1776, meaning 2026 will essentially serve as the nation's 250th birthday.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been outspoken about his plans to hold nationwide celebrations throughout 2026, including a UFC event that is scheduled to take place at the White House in Washington, D.C., in June.

Goodell said the NFL has been working with the White House's Salute to America 250 Task Force in order to ensure the league is part of the celebration as well.

The America 250 branding will be featured prominently during Super Bowl LX, which will be played on Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Similarly, the NFL celebrated the 200th anniversary of America during Super Bowl X in 1976. Players wore bicentennial patches on their jerseys, and the halftime show was dubbed a tribute to America's bicentennial.

Things figure to be even more grandiose this time around given the size and scale of the NFL, and the phenomenon that the Super Bowl has become in 50 years since then.