NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
The National Football League will honor America’s 250th birthday later this season with a special ball and field decoration.
The pigskin, which will begin to be used in the last week of the season, will feature the word “America” with the number 250 in a red, white and blue band.
The league also said there will be special end zone insignia, along with commemorative coins for the referees throughout the playoffs, including Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Recording artist Jon Batiste sings the national anthem before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
There will also be a celebration at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
“The NFL is proud to participate in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a press release. “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.”
Coaches and staff will also receive special sideline apparel for playoff games, and fans will be able to purchase such apparel online.
The NFL will use this ball starting in Week 18. (NFL)
NFL WEEK 13 SCHEDULE: FANS GET TO FALL WITH A TON OF FOOTBALL
The league is also “working with its broadcast partners to present a special performance of ‘God Bless America’ at Saturday’s Week 18 game,” the release said.
Goodell said the league has been working with the White House’s Salute to America 250 Task Force to honor the country.
The coins used by the referees will be auctioned off, the NFL said.
Week 18 games will be played on both January 3rd and 4th as numerous playoff spots are at stake.
An American flag covers the field before an NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants in Philadelphia. (AP)
The 250th birthday celebration will also feature a UFC event taking place on the White House South Lawn on June 14, which will be President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
