The NFL finds itself in a unique spotlight, not over a touchdown celebration or a controversial call, but because San Francisco 49ers’ star Nick Bosa wore a MAGA hat during a live, nationally broadcast postgame interview on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.”
Bosa’s choice to sport a white cap emblazoned with "Make America Great Again" stirred conversation online and now has reportedly caught the attention of league officials. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, the NFL is “looking into” whether the display broke league policies and may consider a fine.
The NFL rulebook, in fact, includes strict regulations about what players can and cannot display on game days. Per the rules, players “are prohibited from wearing, displaying, or otherwise conveying personal messages” that relate to “political activities or causes,” unless they receive advance approval from the league.
This regulation extends to any messages on uniforms, equipment, or accessories visible to the TV audience or in the stadium. Bosa’s hat, a well-known emblem of former President Donald Trump’s campaign, would fall under these restrictions if the league deems it a political message.
NFL weighing potential fine for Nick Bosa’s MAGA hat moment on NBC https://t.co/fVv9skLd8l pic.twitter.com/bCqQmBKPuV
— New York Post (@nypost) November 1, 2024
Bosa’s hat choice didn’t end there; during a subsequent post-game press conference, he appeared to reaffirm his position, mentioning that “it’s an important time” when asked about his choice of headwear. His stance echoes a broader sentiment in sports lately, as high-profile athletes step forward with political endorsements.
Bosa isn’t alone in his support for Trump—former Green Bay Packers quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre recently appeared alongside Trump at a rally in Wisconsin, sharing why he supports the former president, especially during what he considers a “critical time.”
However, a determination from the NFL on any potential punishment isn’t expected until after Election Day. This timing appears intentional, suggesting the league may want to avoid further stirring political tensions before the polls close. It’s worth noting that any potential penalty would almost certainly be a fine, not a suspension.