Fewer than one-third of NFL teams chose to express support for Pride Month this year, as they did not share any public congratulations or statements on social media platforms dedicated to the event.
This year, while I acknowledged Pride Month with a celebration post, only three additional teams have been included on the Pride Non-Compliance list, despite the previous year’s inactivity.
Pride Month has often focused on smaller demographics within American culture.
In total, nine NFL teams did not issue messages in support of LGBTQ+ pride in 2025. One year prior, the situation was slightly different.
As June 1st marked the beginning of Pride Month, an initial list circulated on social media revealing that 12 teams had not participated. Yet, similar to last year, three teams rapidly fell off that list, likely due to pressure or simply because they were slated to post later.
There’s a list of NFL teams that opted not to celebrate Pride Month in 2024.
A list of nine teams that remained silent regarding Pride Month includes:
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Dallas Cowboys
- Indianapolis Colts
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New Orleans Saints
- New York Jets
- Tennessee Titans
Initially, there were online claims that included the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Seattle Seahawks in the list. However, it turned out those teams later posted celebratory content, likely spurred by the viral nature of the list.
For instance, the Seahawks highlighted a rainbow-themed logo a few hours later, while the Ravens shared their own logo the following day on June 2nd, marking pride and transgender awareness.
In 2024, the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, and Steelers had not indicated pride celebrations, but this year, all three changed course. The Falcons shared a message early on June 1st, while the Broncos promoted a rainbow-themed football field on the same day.
This leaves six NFL teams (Bengals, Browns, Titans, Chiefs, Cowboys, and Saints) that have resisted participation in Pride Month for two consecutive years. Meanwhile, the Colts, Jets, and Raiders have also stepped back from PrideMonth programming, maintaining their silence this year as well.
In related news, former NFL star Dez Bryant responded to the issue, referencing a multicolored statement from the Cowboys. He declared, “Football is gay” and “Football is transgender” in response to a 2021 NFL ad. He expressed concern that such statements could negatively influence children and fans.
Bryant commented, “I’m proud to say to my sons, football is not these things,” explaining that he believes the messages are being thrust upon the public. He argued that if the LGBTQ+ community was required to advocate for straight people, it signals a larger issue.
Some commentators have noted that sports fans generally seem to not be overly concerned about the teams making such choices.
One source pointed out that the NFL’s decision to step away from Pride celebrations might signal a shift in focus, suggesting the league isn’t under pressure as it once was. It’s possible that priorities could change, especially since other major leagues, like the NBA, have made significant sacrifices for progressive causes. The NFL, however, appears to have moved back into a more traditional stance.
