<p>Dear NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell,</p><p>I find it absolutely unacceptable that you have allowed NFL franchises to pull the wool over our eyes in regards to the NFL's “patriotism” and have remained silent on this issue.</p><p>According to a recent report by NJ.com, The New York Jets received $377,000 from the Defense Department between 2011 and 2014. Other news sources (_The Hill_ and _The Florida Times Union_) reported that your entire organization has received over $5.4 million in funds for in-game events sponsored by the military.</p><p>Understanding that the events were paid for by the Defense Department and the National Guard with taxpayer money is frustrating enough, but to find that these teams have not disclosed that the events were sponsored is wrong and deceitful towards their fans. For franchises to portray their patriotism as altruistic, generous, or as anything other than sponsored is a lie that requires an apology to their fans and to the troops.</p><p>Overall, the fact that your organization is even accepting money for these types of patriotic spectacles is wrong. The Defense Department should not have to pay you to show your support for America's military service members. You should be honoring the military because you have respect for our soldiers and veterans.</p><p>Americans are patriotic to show their gratitude towards the men and women who sacrifice themselves so that we may enjoy our personal freedoms. Americans should not be patriotic because they are paid to do so. As Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona has said, "[the NFL] realize the public believes they're doing it as a public service or a sense of patriotism. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth."</p><p>As suggested by _The Florida Times Union_, I think that you, as the commissioner of the NFL, should require each of the 14 NFL teams that have accepted these funds to withdraw the exact amount of money they've received and donate those funds to the VA and other organizations that support soldiers and veterans. This, in addition to a formal apology, is the only way that the NFL can make amends for disguising their deals with the Pentagon and misleading their fans.</p><p>Thank you.</p><p>Sincerely,</p>