NFL Senior VP/Sponsorship & Partnership Management
Renie Anderson knew that one of the first questions she would be asked today at the
’17 Sports Marketing Symposium would be about the debate sparked by NFL players kneeling during the national anthem. During the first panel discussion of the day, Anderson said, “America is passionate about football, and we are clearly seeing how much they care about our sport, especially recently.” She added, “Patriotism is woven throughout everything that we do, and we need to respect and admire all that the men and women that serve our country do. Our players and owners and all of our executives work to really strive to be the best on the field, in the locker room, in the board room and in the office. Our partners and our fans expect that, and they deserve that.”
Anderson said when it comes to the NFL’s sponsors, her job is to “make sure that we’re leveraging these brands and they are selling products. Whatever we can do to make sure that’s happening, that’s my focus.” Anderson reiterated the league’s stance: “To be clear, we want the players to stand. We also respect their right to a peaceful protest.”
