NFL shares support for FCC's Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

The NFL, Legends Maurice Jones-Drew and Steve Smith Sr. alongside current Miami dolphins running back Patrick Laird, teamed up for a PSA to promote the FCC's Emergency Broadband Benefit – which ties to the NFL's Inspire Change work to help close the digital divide. Working to combat the "digital divide," a longstanding barrier to internet and technology access in the U.S, the League dedicates funding and other resources to reduce the technology barrier in education. The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

"Too many families across the country don't have access to the internet, putting them at a major disadvantage for work, school, healthcare and more. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a crucial way to get people connected, and libraries are an important part of our effort to enroll eligible families," said FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. "We're grateful for all our partners who are working to raise awareness about this important program and are thankful to organizations like the NFL for uplifting this effort. Working together we can reach more families in need of this help to get online."

"Helping bridge the digital divide is a crucial part of our Inspire Change social justice initiative," said Anna Isaacson, SVP of Social Responsibility, NFL. "We're proud to support the FCC's Emergency Broadband Benefit, since it's doing just that by bringing resources to the homes that need it, especially after last year when work and school from home increased the absolute need for technology and internet access for everyone."