The NFL is Considering Playing the Black National Anthem Before Kickoffs

ESPN reports the NFL will play the Black national anthem before every Week One matchup.

The NFL is attempting to mend its relationship with the Black community. On Thursday, The Undefeated senior writer Jason Reid broke some surprising news. Reid reported that a source familiar with the league expects "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" to be performed before every Week One matchup before "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The song, composed by James Weldon Johnson and his brother J. Rosamond Johnson, is known as the Black national anthem. Originally, the song was performed as a poem in a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday.

According to Reid, the NFL and NFL Players Association is considering listing the names of victims of police brutality on uniforms, or through decals on helmets or patches on jerseys.`Back in June, the league announced its intentions to donate $250 million over a 10-year span. Additionally, the league may produce "educational programs about victims."

The source wrote in a text that the league hopes to demonstrate "a genuine commitment to the public, players and coaches and that player voices continue to be heard...this is key to educating fans, and becoming a prominent voice in the fight to end racism."

After years of backlash over the league's handling of Colin Kaepernick's silent protests, commissioner Roger Goodell admitted the NFL was in the wrong in a video last month.

The league's season opener takes place on September 10. The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will host the Houston Texans.