HH. BREAKING: A storm is brewing in Detroit — and Amon-Ra St. Brown is at the center of it.
Fact Check: No Evidence Detroit Lions Star Amon-Ra St. Brown Is Boycotting NFL Pride Events
As the NFL season heats up in late 2025, social media has been buzzing with claims that Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is refusing to participate in any “Pride Night” celebrations, allegedly declaring that “the football field is a field, not a runway.” Some posts even link this to past supposed controversies, suggesting he once refused to kneel for Black Lives Matter. With the Lions riding high as one of the league’s top teams, these rumors spread quickly across platforms like Facebook and X, racking up thousands of shares. But after digging into reliable sources, player statements, and league activities, the story doesn’t hold up—it’s completely unfounded.
First, let’s address the core claim: there is no record of Amon-Ra St. Brown ever making that quote about Pride events or boycotting anything related to LGBTQ+ support in the NFL. Searches across news outlets, fact-checking sites, and the player’s own social media turn up zero credible reports. The NFL has long supported Pride initiatives, including partnerships with GLAAD for events like the annual “Night of Pride” during Super Bowl week, and many teams post messages or change logos during June’s Pride Month. In 2025, for instance, the league continued these efforts despite broader cultural debates, but there’s no league-wide “Pride Night” at games requiring player participation. Individual teams handle themed nights differently, and the Detroit Lions have participated in local Pride events in the past, like the Motor City Pride parade, without any reported pushback from players.
St. Brown, a Pro Bowl receiver known for his relentless work ethic and record-breaking performances, has stayed remarkably apolitical in public when it comes to social causes like this. He’s never publicly opposed Pride Month or LGBTQ+ inclusion in the NFL. In fact, recent headlines about him revolve around on-field dominance and a lighthearted touchdown celebration earlier this month during the Lions’ win over the Washington Commanders. With President Donald Trump in attendance, St. Brown busted out the now-famous “Trump dance” after scoring—pumping his fists in that signature shuffle. The moment went viral, with Trump himself reposting it on Truth Social, jokingly dubbing the star “Amon-Ra St. Trump.” St. Brown later clarified on his podcast that it was just fun, saying he’d do a dance for any president in the stands, and apologized if it offended anyone politically divided.
The second part of the rumor—that St. Brown “refused to take a knee” for Black Lives Matter—also falls flat. During the 2020 season, when many NFL players knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, there are no reports or videos of St. Brown (then a rookie) making any controversial stand against it. He was focused on earning his spot on the roster, not headlines for protests. Claims tying him to anti-BLM actions seem to stem from misinformation or confusion with other athletes.
This isn’t the first time fake quotes have targeted NFL stars to stir cultural wars. In an era where viral memes can snowball into “news,” it’s easy for unverified posts to gain traction, especially on Facebook where algorithms reward engagement. But St. Brown has built his reputation on the field: leading the league in receptions multiple seasons, helping the Lions reach playoff contention, and earning respect as a leader in Detroit’s locker room. Off the field, he’s partnered with mental health advocates and kept things positive.
As of November 2025, the Lions are focused on their Super Bowl aspirations, with St. Brown at the heart of a high-powered offense alongside quarterback Jared Goff. Rumors like this distract from the real story—a talented young player grinding through another stellar year. Until St. Brown or the team issues a statement (which there’s no indication they will, because there’s nothing to address), treat these claims as what they are: baseless internet fiction designed to spark outrage.
In the end, football fans know the gridiron is about touchdowns, not manufactured drama. Let’s keep the focus there.
