ONE SCHOOL
The Future Of The NFL
Roger Goodell tackles hard-hitting questions about the future of the NFL from school aged players.
The Brief
Create a film to air during Super Bowl 2021 that articulates where the NFL stands now in the fight against racism.
Problem
The NFL retracted its original statement at a time when many organizations were getting scrutiny for not taking a stance against racism. This comes across as disingenuous.
Insight
Despite what critics may say, it’s okay to self reflect, change your mind and admit fault.
Idea
To demonstrated the process of learning and self reflection, Roger Goodell will literally face the future of the NFL by listening to accounts of racism from young black men who aspire to be NFL players and answering their questions about the NFL’s stance on the issue.
Outline
Roger Goodell walks the long tunnel from the stadium toward the locker room. He enters to find an unlikely group - six young, Black aspiring NFL players. There will be no inspirational locker room speech given by Goodell. The tables have turned. Goodell will be responding to candid questions from these young men, listening to their accounts of racism and to their reactions to the NFL’s early stance. He will be the one to take away something invaluable from this meeting. The locker conversation wraps and Goodell walks the young men down the tunnel and onto the field. The young men step onto the field for photos of a moment that embodies where they hope to be. Goodell looks on, reflecting candidly on their stories and what he has learned.
Interview Questions
How do you view players in the league?
What happened that changed your stance on kneeling during The National Anthem?
What do you say to people who think you’re doing too little, too late?
What’s your understanding of your players as Black men in America?
How do you plan on listening to your player’s experiences better in the future?
If you could go back and address the situation differently, knowing what you know now, what would you say?
What’s your message to future players?
Do you value my life beyond football?