The National Football League and the Department of State signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch a public-private partnership centered on “sports diplomacy.”
The State Department said the initiative will enhance collaboration on international NFL games, leverage current and former players as cultural ambassadors, and support public diplomacy programs at U.S. embassies and consulates. The agency added that football is “a uniquely American innovation,” and described the Super Bowl as an event that “truly captures the spirit of America, where hard work pays off to achieve greatness.”
“Football has the power to bring people together across borders and backgrounds,” said NFL Executive Vice President for Public Affairs & Policy Jeff Miller. “This partnership with the State Department will be invaluable as we work to grow our game around the world.”
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Roger said that football “reflects our timeless American values of family, freedom, unity and hard work. The State Department is proud to partner with the National Football League to highlight American excellence through sports diplomacy, growing the uniquely American game of football to new audiences, new markets and new international fans.”
The NFL will continue to host “football events, clinics and training sessions abroad, and will provide access to players, coaches and program materials in the league’s priority global markets, where possible,” the league stated, while the State Department will “help identify priority regions and countries for joint initiatives and coordinate with U.S. embassies and consulates to support the execution of NFL international games and related programs.”
