Matt LaFleur Sends 5-Word Message to NFL After Punishment Over Pride Month Post Refusal
“We just play football here.”
Those were the five words Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur sent to the NFL following the league’s decision to fine the team for not posting a Pride Month message on their official social media accounts. The league’s action sparked widespread debate, and LaFleur’s succinct yet impactful response is now at the center of the conversation about the intersection of sports, politics, and identity.
The Controversy
Each June, the NFL encourages all 32 of its teams to publicly support Pride Month, a month-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. This support typically takes the form of social media posts, team events, or partnerships with LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations.
However, when June began this year, fans noticed that the Green Bay Packers’ social media pages remained silent. Unlike other teams that changed their profile pictures to rainbow-colored logos or shared messages of solidarity, the Packers made no such gestures.
Soon, reports surfaced that the team had deliberately opted out of the league’s initiative. The NFL subsequently fined the organization for what it described as a “failure to adhere to league-wide values of inclusion and equity.”
LaFleur’s Response: “We Just Play Football Here”
When asked about the fine in a post-practice press conference, LaFleur addressed the issue directly.
“We just play football here,” he said. “There’s no discrimination in this building. We don’t treat people differently because of who they are. But we also don’t believe in being told how to represent ourselves off the field.”
His five-word message—“We just play football here”—quickly went viral. To some, it was a simple affirmation of the team’s commitment to focus on football. To others, it came across as dismissive of broader societal issues. But LaFleur stood by his words.
“I’m proud of the culture we’ve built in this locker room,” he added. “Ask any of our players, and they’ll tell you we value respect, unity, and focus. That’s how we win games, and that’s how we grow as people.”
Divided Reactions
Unsurprisingly, LaFleur’s comment sparked a wide range of reactions.
Supporters argue that the NFL is overstepping its bounds by penalizing teams for choosing not to engage in particular social initiatives. “You can’t fine a team for being apolitical,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “If they’re not discriminating, what’s the issue?”
Others, however, expressed disappointment in both the team and its coach. LGBTQ+ rights organizations criticized the Packers for failing to visibly support their community, especially given the team’s influence in Wisconsin and beyond.
“This isn’t just about a social media post,” said Jamie Carter, spokesperson for Equality Forward. “It’s about visibility. When a team like the Packers chooses silence, it sends a message—and not a positive one.”
NFL’s Official Statement
In response to growing media attention, the NFL released a statement defending its actions.
“The National Football League is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all players, staff, and fans,” the statement read. “While individual expression is respected, all teams are expected to participate in league-wide initiatives that promote core values of equality and representation.”
The league did not disclose the amount of the fine but emphasized that it was not targeting the Packers for their beliefs, but for their non-compliance with agreed-upon league standards.
Inside the Locker Room
Despite the controversy outside, players inside the Packers’ organization appear united behind their coach. Veteran linebacker De’Vondre Campbell said he appreciates LaFleur’s leadership.
“He’s never been about politics,” Campbell said. “He’s about football and about making us better men. That’s what we’re focused on. No one in here feels like they’re being treated unfairly.”
Another player, who asked to remain anonymous, added: “Coach always says, ‘Treat people right, period.’ We’ve got guys from all walks of life on this team, and we’ve never had issues.”
A Broader Conversation
This incident has reignited the long-standing debate over the role of sports organizations in social and political advocacy. Some believe that teams and athletes have a responsibility to use their platforms to advocate for change. Others insist that sports should remain a neutral ground, focused solely on competition.
“I think what we’re seeing is a clash between two visions of what professional sports should be,” said Dr. Maria Jennings, a sociologist at Northwestern University. “One sees the NFL as a cultural leader, obligated to reflect and shape social values. The other sees it as entertainment, separate from political and cultural currents.”
She continued, “LaFleur’s message is powerful because it taps into that second vision—an apolitical, football-first mentality. But it also risks alienating those who want to see the NFL take a stronger stand on inclusion.”
Where Things Stand
As of now, the Packers have not indicated that they will reverse course or issue a Pride Month message. The team has paid the fine and appears ready to move forward without further public comment. LaFleur has continued to emphasize team unity and focus as the Packers prepare for the upcoming season.
“We’re not trying to make headlines,” he said. “We’re trying to win football games and build a team that respects one another, regardless of anything outside of football.”
Conclusion
Matt LaFleur’s five-word message—“We just play football here”—may go down as one of the most memorable quotes of his coaching career. Whether it’s seen as a principled stand or a missed opportunity for inclusion will depend on one’s perspective. But what’s certain is that the line between sports and social issues is thinner than ever, and navigating it remains a complex challenge for teams, leagues, and fans alike.
As the season draws near, all eyes will remain on Green Bay—not just for their performance on the field, but for how they continue to handle the spotlight off of it.