The NFL has championed the breast cancer cause since 2009, which hasn’t come without its share of criticism. According to an article from MMQB, the NFL is changing up its cause affiliations starting next season. From MMQB:
The initiative will still be called “A Crucial Catch,” but teams now have a say in the cause they’ll champion for about 18 percent of their schedule. They can still choose breast cancer, or another detectable, screenable cancer such as prostate or colorectal cancer—or one to which a player or coach has a personal tie. Teams can also support more than one cancer cause per season, and they can change their choice(s) from one season to the next. Similar to the “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign that debuted this year, in which players wore customized cleats to share a message for one game, it’s a break from the homogeneity of NFL campaigns in the past.
When asked if this is the start of a trend, Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s VP of social responsibility, says,
It’s a balancing act. We have seen a lot of success in having focused, strategic campaigns. Focusing on one cause, fundraising for it, bringing it to life, choosing a message, spreading word among our fans. We are committed to that. But we are also committed to making sure the voice of our clubs are heard and making sure the voice of our players is heard.
Source: The NFL Moves on From Pink October | The MMQB with Peter King