NFL Teams Assist COVID-19 Relief Through Branded Merch, Face Masks

By Joseph Myers

Among the four major professional sports leagues, the NFL has remained the only one to not yet suffer any COVID-19-related scheduling conflict with regards to live action, given that its games don't begin until the August preseason. That doesn't mean, though, that NFL players and franchises are sitting on the sidelines as the pandemic affects everyone’s life. Through various merchandise and a plan to distribute branded face masks, a star running back and two teams are hoping their efforts will hit pay dirt to assist various populations.

Many NFL analysts, not to mention fervent fans, see the Cleveland Browns as an emerging contender in the American Football Conference (AFC). While seeing their hopes come to fruition would be great, the Ohio squad has already scored points for its altruistic endeavors, and tomorrow it will unveil new jerseys whose initial round of sales will benefit the organization’s Hats Off to Our Heroes fund to help COVID-19 frontline workers.

Tomorrow is the day: https://t.co/tzSp88J0If

— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) April 14, 2020

Giving the AFC additional clout in the pandemic battle, the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to distribute 45,000 branded face masks, a move that adds to the team’s #Masks4Jax initiative and also builds upon the growing call for widespread mask usage to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Jaguars to distribute thousands of face masks as part of #Masks4Jax https://t.co/AaYfsbFElv

— Jacksonville Business Journal (@JaxBizJournal) April 8, 2020

While it's great to learn of team-generated efforts to be a difference maker, Ezekiel Elliott is showing that an individual approach can prove just as productive. The star running back for the Dallas Cowboys has caught criticism for reportedly ignoring social distancing guidelines, but his decision to do so is not the only matter that has him in the news cycle.

Sales from his merch line will benefit the North Texas Food Bank, which is especially fitting since many of the items feature a food theme. Given that the goods, including hoodies, sweatpants and T-shirts, are fueling such a great cause, this may be the only time that you see Promo Marketing, with a diehard love for our hometown Eagles, end up rooting for a Cowboy to succeed.

The line includes a bright yellow t-shirt that features Zeke’s face Photoshopped onto a can of “throwback” Chef Boyardee https://t.co/qjln5DMzQo

— Eater Dallas (@EaterDallas) April 13, 2020