Creative Missteps in NFL Schedule Release Videos
In the evolving landscape of NFL schedule release videos, teams have embraced creativity as a means to capture attention on social media. This year, however, the spotlight shifted from clever humor to notable blunders and controversial choices, leading to unexpected viral moments.
The Indianapolis Colts found themselves at the center of scrutiny after retracting their Minecraft-themed schedule announcement video. The mishap stemmed from a lack of proper copyright permissions from Microsoft, compounded by the inclusion of an insensitive clip featuring Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. While Hill reportedly had no issue with the content, the Colts’ oversight raised eyebrows across the league.
In contrast, the Los Angeles Chargers successfully navigated the copyright waters with their own Minecraft-themed video, clearly stating that their imagery was “used with permission from Microsoft.” This attention to detail highlighted the importance of due diligence in creative endeavors.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots took a different approach by featuring Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy in their video. This choice was particularly intriguing given Portnoy’s long-standing feud with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. His presence in an official team video sparked speculation about a potential thaw in relations between the league and Barstool, prompting questions that the NFL may not have been prepared to address.
According to Front Office Sports reporter Margaret Fleming, the NFL does not currently require teams to submit their schedule-release videos for approval before posting. This policy has come under scrutiny, especially in light of the Colts’ blunder and the implications of the Patriots’ choice. Pro Football Talk commentator Mike Florio has suggested that the league might benefit from revisiting this approach.
“Given the various ways in which the NFL exercises active oversight with its teams (starting with the approval of every single player contract a team executes), why wouldn’t the league want to have the ability to give a thumb’s down to each of the various teams’ videos that flood social media the instant the schedule is released?”
Florio argues that had the league office reviewed the Colts’ video, it would likely never have seen the light of day without the necessary permissions. Similarly, a review of the Patriots’ video could have clarified the league’s stance on Portnoy, eliminating any lingering doubts about a shift in policy after years of distancing.
As the NFL continues to embrace pop culture in its marketing strategies, the need for oversight becomes increasingly apparent. Many of these videos reference intellectual properties owned by others, raising the stakes for teams that may not always exercise the necessary caution. While some may view Florio’s concerns as an overreaction, the NFL’s legal team is likely taking a more cautious stance following the Colts’ misstep.
