The National Football League reportedly asked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to remove a social media video featuring Philadelphia Eagles legend Brian Dawkins. The video, posted by the DHS X account, was created in response to reports of a large migrant caravan approaching the U.S. southern border.
According to The Athletic, which cited a social media post, the league requested the removal of the content. Critics of the video, including figures on social media platforms like X and Bluesky, argued that the use of Dawkins and the aggressive tone were inappropriate for a government agency and that permission should have been sought for using footage of the former player. Some also criticized Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie for not publicly condemning the video.
The DHS video featured Dawkins, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, accompanied by music from the band Korn, with the message "Our time has come." This approach drew sharp criticism from some online personalities and media outlets, who characterized it as overly aggressive or partisan. OutKick's Craig Carton, discussing the controversy, defended the use of Dawkins, suggesting that the former player would be an ideal figure to address border security issues.
The controversy highlights a broader discussion about the use of social media by government agencies and the appropriateness of employing sports figures or aggressive imagery in official communications, particularly concerning sensitive topics like immigration.