The NFL's Quiet Embrace of Trans Activism: A Deep Dive into the League's Unspoken Alliance with TOGETHXR
The NFL's recent embrace of flag football as a key part of its future strategy is well-documented. But what many people don't realize is that this push into flag football is intertwined with a deeper, more complex issue: the league's unspoken alliance with TOGETHXR, a pro-trans in sports brand that's been quietly gaining influence.
TOGETHXR, co-founded by athletes like Sue Bird, Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, and Simone Manuel, has been making waves in the sports world with its catchy "Everyone Watches Women's Sports" slogan. But what makes this brand particularly fascinating is its strong stance on transgender athletes. In 2023, TOGETHXR co-founder Jessica Robertson stated, "Trans women belong in sports. There are no scientific studies that prove there is significant physical advantage."
This statement is particularly interesting when you consider the NFL's stance on the issue. The league has been silent on the topic of biological males competing against biological females in flag football, despite the growing debate around transgender athletes in other sports. This silence is all the more intriguing given the NFL's plans to feature flag football in the 2028 Summer Olympics, where a gene test will be required to compete.
The NFL's relationship with TOGETHXR goes beyond just the promotion of flag football. In December, TOGETHXR declared on Instagram, "Flag football is getting its biggest upgrade yet. The NFL is [flag football's] biggest supporter." This declaration was met with a 'like' from Ian Trombetta, Senior Vice President of Social and Influencer Marketing for the NFL.
This mutual support between the NFL and TOGETHXR raises a deeper question: what does this alliance imply for the future of women's sports? Is the NFL's embrace of flag football a strategic move to diversify its audience, or is it a more subtle endorsement of TOGETHXR's pro-trans in sports stance? And what does this mean for the ongoing debate around transgender athletes in women's sports?
In my opinion, the NFL's quiet embrace of TOGETHXR and its pro-trans in sports stance is a fascinating development. It suggests a subtle shift in the league's values, and a recognition of the growing influence of trans activism in sports. But it also raises important questions about the future of women's sports and the role of the NFL in shaping that future.
One thing is clear: the NFL's push into flag football is not just about the sport itself, but about the broader cultural and social implications of its actions. As the league continues to navigate this complex issue, it will be interesting to see how it balances its commitment to inclusivity with the need to maintain fair competition in women's sports.
