Unenlightened viewers were caught off guard on Sunday night when they tuned in for the Jets and Dolphins game on NBC. Many of the graphics and logos on the field were suited to fit the “Futbol Americano” theme. When NBC flashed its graphics, they called the teams “Jets de Nueva York” and “Dolphins de Miami.” The reason for all the Spanish promotion is this game is the marquee event for Hispanic Heritage Month in the NFL.
The same thing was done last year when the teams met on Monday Night Football. The reason these teams form the marquee Hispanic Heritage Month game is because of their Hispanic backgrounds. The Jets have Mark Sanchez, who is the only Hispanic starting quarterback in the NFL, and wears the pride of Mexico in his mouth. The Dolphins are co-owned by minority owners Gloria Estefan and Jennifer Lopez, both Hispanic entertainers. In addition to each team’s Hispanic ties, both organizations represent cities that have dense Latin populations.
