Illinois will use black Block I logo to raise social justice awareness

The helmets of the Illinois football team will have a black Block I logo instead of the usual orange and blue during Friday’s season-opening game against Wisconsin to help promote social justice awareness.

Friday and the rest of the season, Illini helmets will have a Black fist decal on the back. Players brought the idea to coach Lovie Smith and athletic director Josh Whitman, who OK’d the helmet updates, the university said in a press release.

Players will also have one of five messages on the back of their helmets: Black Lives Matter, I Fight Against Racism, Together, Equality or United.

“We wanted to show that we are aware of what’s happening in our country right now,” senior cornerback Nate Hobbs said in a statement from the school. “We’re willing to take a stand, not as one, but as a unit.”

“Having the Black I on our helmets for this first game is a symbol of unity and that this team stands for the Black Lives Matter movement,” senior linebacker Milo Eifler said.