In October (DV Awareness Month), ask the NFL to visibly support survivors by allowing purple—uniform accents, decals, on-field elements—and by running PSAs and directing fans to resources. Survivors deserve real awareness, not fines.

To: Commissioner Roger Goodell and the National Football League

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We’re asking the NFL to honor survivors and promote safety by officially adding purple to its October activations—on uniforms, fields, broadcasts, and team channels. When the league shows up, millions pay attention. Let’s use that platform for life-saving awareness. 

What we’re asking the NFL to do in October
Uniform allowance without fines. Permit purple accents (cleats, socks, towels, gloves, helmet decals, pins) for players, coaches, and staff—no penalties. (Players have been fined in the past for purple DV awareness gear; an official allowance fixes this.) 

On-field visibility. Approve purple ribbons/decals and purple stadium lighting or ribbon board displays during at least one home game per team in October.

Broadcast + stadium PSAs. Air short domestic-violence awareness PSAs during October game broadcasts and in-stadium, directing fans to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE / text START to 88788 / thehotline.org). 

Community partnership. Encourage each club to feature a local DV organization during October (pregame features, donation match nights, and tabled resources on the concourse).

Education + care. Offer a league-wide October briefing (with local partners) for players and staff covering survivor-centered support and bystander intervention.

Why this matters

Visibility saves lives. October is when advocates unite; the NFL’s reach can amplify safety resources to millions who might not otherwise see them. 

Consistency, not penalties. Players have tried to wear purple to honor DV awareness and were fined under the uniform policy. A league-sanctioned approach fixes the mismatch and sets a clear standard. 

 

Fans want to help. Simple, concrete messaging (hotline, text line, local partners) turns awareness into action.

 

This also models accountability inside the league. High-profile incidents over the years show that domestic violence has impacted the NFL’s own community. These October actions—visible purple, PSAs, local partnerships, and education—signal that the league takes the issue seriously at home and on the field, turning awareness into real help for families.

About this petition
I launched this effort in 2011 to ask the NFL to recognize DVAM alongside breast-cancer initiatives by adding purple in October. It has gathered thousands of verified signatures and drew media attention, reflecting a simple truth: survivors deserve to be seen and supported on the biggest stages in sports. 

Please add your name and urge the NFL to adopt these common-sense steps this October.