On Weeks 4 and 5 in the NFL, players will wear decals of flags representing their nationality or cultural heritage. They will continue to wear the American flag on their helmets, but if they either spent two years living in another country or have a parent or grandparent who was born there they can represent that country as well.
It coincides nicely with the opening of the NFL’s international series, which will see the Saints playing the Vikings in London.
According to a statement from the league, over 200 players will be wearing the decals to represent their heritage.
MORE: Who is the fastest player in the NFL?
Why are NFL players wearing flags on their helmets?
Per the NFL, this initiative seeks to “showcase the global influence on the league and recognize the impact that those contributing nations across the world have had on NFL rosters today…”
Coaches, meanwhile, will wear flag pins on game day instead.
“The NFL is proud of the extensive collection of nationalities and heritage of its players across the league,” commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “We recognize the many cultures they represent and the excitement they bring to their home fans, which ultimately helps grow our game.”
The league highlights Kyler Murray (South Korea), Amon-Ra St. Brown (Germany) and Tua Tagovailoa (Samoa) as players who will participate.
A full list of players and coaches who will be wearing flag stickers and pins, respectively, is below:
