Called Juneteenth, June 19 is celebrated as the end of slavery in the United States when Texas became the final state to receive word that slaves had been freed after the April 1865 end to the Civil War.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said last week the league would close its offices. Teams like the Vikings, San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers have followed.
“This year, as we work together as a family and in our communities to combat the racial injustices that remain deeply rooted into the fabric of our society, the NFL will observe Juneteenth on Friday, June 19th as a recognized holiday and our league offices will be closed,” Goodell said in a statement last week.