Minecraft licensing robbed us of this controversial NFL schedule release video

This year, a Minecraft Movie wasn’t the sole Minecraft-related news highlight. In addition, two NFL teams created schedule release videos influenced by the renowned gaming series, but one video had to be taken down because of a stir caused by its content.

Every year, the social media divisions of NFL teams strive to produce the most exciting schedule announcement videos. Since the NFL’s calendar is somewhat quiet during May, the league unveils the upcoming season’s schedule, providing an opportunity for teams to generate captivating content.

These videos frequently feature good-natured teasing of opponents, spanning from humorous comments on player scandals to amusing memes with a lighter tone.

The LA Chargers excel at creating schedule release videos for their NFL team, with many people believing their social media team outshines their field team. Previously, the Chargers have showcased anime-style epic openings in their video content.

This season, the Chargers unveiled another fantastic video reminiscent of Minecraft. Meanwhile, an unidentified NFL team has crafted a Minecraft-style schedule release video for 2025, but you won’t see it on their official platforms.

The Indianapolis Colts initially posted a schedule release video adorned with Minecraft-style graphics and animations, but later took it down after including a humorous reference to Miami Dolphins’ wide receiver Tyreek Hill and encountering licensing complications with Microsoft.

Just like many internet contents, this video hasn’t truly disappeared; instead, it’s been uploaded across various platforms for preservation reasons.

The Indianapolis Colts stated through NBC Sports that they took down their scheduled video release due to it infringing on Microsoft’s rights and containing an inappropriate segment featuring Kansas City Chiefs’ player, Tyreek Hill. They express their deep apologies to both Microsoft and Mr. Hill.

I’ll focus on the Minecraft aspect of the video, since this is Windows Central.

The video from the Chargers states at the beginning:

In this video, we’re using Minecraft, a game owned by Microsoft Corporation. Please note that any personal views or comments shared here do not represent the endorsement of either Microsoft Corporation or Mojang AB.

The Colts’ video doesn’t have any sort of warning or disclaimer attached to it. Personally, I find the Colts’ video less effective in embodying the essence of Minecraft, but this isn’t the reason it was taken down.

Microsoft Surface and the NFL

A post shared by Windows Central (@windowscentral)

A photo posted by on

Microsoft plays a significant role as a sponsor for the NFL, with their Surface devices being utilized both off-screen during broadcasts and on-field during games. These versatile computers frequently endure rough handling from disgruntled players and coaches, but they have effectively boosted the visibility of the Surface brand.

Initially, during the collaboration between Microsoft and the NFL, broadcasts frequently labeled the computers on the field as iPads. However, over time and with substantial advertising investments, many more individuals started using the term “Surface devices” appropriately.

Given Microsoft’s significant partnership with the NFL, it seems unlikely that teams would risk displeasing this technological powerhouse by employing intellectual property without proper authorization.

Read More

2025-05-16 15:09