NFL Teams Shouldn't Be Paid for Patriotism - Donate to Vets Instead!

  • by: Bryan Hopkins
  • recipient: The Owners of the 14 NFL teams which took Department of Defense money to support the troops

While many veterans are struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Congress is seeking to freeze or limit spending on our troops, it's outrageous that 14 NFL teams took taxpayer money to stage events "honoring our troops"!

14 NFL teams have taken over $5 million in taxpayer funds to show their support for the National Guard and other branches of the military. These teams are already subsidized by state and local tax dollars through stadiums and other expenditures, why in the world should they profit even further to provide PR to the military? Most fans would have no idea that their tax dollars were going to these efforts, and simply assume the teams were genuine in their support of the young men and women who defend our ability to have pastimes such as football.

If the NFL wants to move the American public with their patriotism, then at least they should be willing to pay for it.

As a veteran, I know there are real needs in my community, and this money could go a long way to address a wide range of problems. Sign my petition to urge these 14 teams to donate the $5.4 million they received to nonprofit organizations doing real, important work for our troops and veterans.

The current list of teams accepting tax dollars to stage events supporting the troops:

New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers and St. Louis Rams. 

As highly profitable corporations, many richly funded in a variety of local and state subsidies, it's outrageous that you are taking taxpayer funds to support the troops.


Many other teams have shown genuine support and goodwill without any financial compensation, and host events that look incredibly similiar to events you were paid to produce.


If you want the good PR that comes with supporting our service members, you should donate the money you recieved from the Department of Defense to local veterans organizations and other non-profits supporting our troops.


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