Across the American sports landscape, Friday, June 19, was a day of reflection and celebration as most major leagues and teams publicly recognized Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. From the NFL to the NBA to MLB, social media feeds filled with messages honoring the day. But two notable holdouts—the Detroit Lions and the National Hockey League—chose to stay quiet, raising eyebrows among fans and observers.
NFL Leads the Way
The NFL was among the first to formalize its commitment, with Commissioner Roger Goodell announcing in 2020 that the league would observe Juneteenth as a recognized holiday. This year, the league offices were closed, and Goodell issued a powerful statement urging reflection and action. “It is a day to reflect on our past, but more importantly, consider how each one of us can continue to show up and band together to work toward a better future,” he said.
Goodell also emphasized the ongoing struggle for equality: “Juneteenth not only marks the end of slavery in the United States, but it also symbolizes freedom—a freedom that was delayed, and brutally resisted; and though decades of progress followed, a freedom for which we must continue to fight.”
The Detroit Lions: A Surprising Silence
Given the Lions’ history of embracing social justice causes—like changing their logo to rainbow colors during Pride Month to support the LGBTQ community—their failure to acknowledge Juneteenth on social media caught many off guard. Fox News reported that the Lions were the only NFL team not to post anything about the holiday. This came as a shock to those who view the franchise as progressive on social issues.
The NHL: The Lone League Holdout
While the NBA, MLB, and NFL all used their official accounts to mark Juneteenth, the NHL’s social media channels were conspicuously quiet. That made the league the only one among the four major U.S. pro sports leagues to skip the recognition. Whether this was an oversight or a deliberate choice remains unclear, but it certainly stood out in a sports world that has increasingly embraced activism.
This isn’t the first time the NHL has faced scrutiny over its handling of social issues. The league has often been criticized for being slower to engage with cultural moments compared to its counterparts. For comparison, recent controversies in NASCAR show how different sports handle public pressure.
What It Means
To be fair, a social media post isn’t the only measure of a team or league’s commitment to social justice. The Lions and NHL may have observed the holiday in other ways—perhaps through internal communications or community events. However, in an era where public statements carry weight, staying silent can send its own message.
As the sports world continues to navigate the intersection of athletics and activism, these two exceptions serve as a reminder that not every player—or team—is on the same page. For now, the spotlight remains on the Lions and the NHL, with fans and critics alike watching to see if they’ll adjust their approach next year.
