NFL Celebrates 250th Anniversary of the United States of America . NFL will honor America 250 on-field and in broadcast throughout Week 18 and the Playoffs.
NEW YORK — Nov. 26, 2025 — In 2026, the NFL will participate in the nationwide recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Beginning in Week 18 of the regular season and continuing throughout the playoffs, the NFL will celebrate the semiquincentennial on-field in NFL stadiums across the country, as well as during game broadcasts.
“The NFL is proud to participate in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “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.”
The NFL and its 32 clubs and players will begin celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in Week 18, with on-field activations continuing throughout the playoffs. Special commemorative footballs featuring the America 250 logo will be predominantly utilized in games. In addition, every game in Week 18 and throughout the playoffs will feature an America 250 stencil on the sidelines. Game officials will also use America 250 branded coins for the coin toss, which will later be auctioned off for charity on the NFL Auction platform.
Coaches and staff will receive special commemorative sideline apparel for playoff games, and fans may participate in the celebration through the forthcoming launch of club-specific America 250 fan apparel. Additionally, the league is collaborating with its broadcast partners to feature a special performance of “God Bless America” at the Saturday night game in Week 18.
The NFL will continue its celebrations of this national milestone at league-wide tentpole events in 2026, including Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area and the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
The NFL has a storied history of amplifying milestone moments in our nation’s history. In 1976, the NFL celebrated America’s 200th anniversary, including on-field recognition through special helmet decals and jersey patches. The NFL began its celebration of the semiquincentennial in 2021 through its support of the America 250 Awards, an awards program that celebrated Americans who exemplify the intangible qualities of the American spirit. The NFL also honors the country’s military community year-round through its Salute to Service initiative, including special programming that recognized this year’s landmark 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
