NFL Demands DHS Remove Video That Uses Brian Dawkins Highlights to Promote Immigration Crackdown

# What happened

# Who responded

ESPN reported the NFL has asked DHS to remove the video. Dawkins confirmed to ESPN by text that he had not given permission for the clip, and he posted on X that he "respectfully not given permission to anyone other than those I currently do business with to use my NIL (name, image, likeness)."

# Why this matters

The NFL and the athlete objected to the government using a player's compiled highlights to illustrate a policy position or enforcement posture without permission. Using an athlete's name, image, and likeness (NIL) for a government communication raises legal and reputational questions for both the agency and the administration behind it.

The clip remains online as of the morning of September 29, according to the reporting cited.

# Context and pattern

This is not the first time members of the current administration have used third-party music or footage in political or policy posts without permission. Earlier this year the official White House X account posted a video that mixed NFL and college football highlights with footage of U.S. strikes against Iran, set to AC/DC's "Thunderstruck," captioned "Touchdown." That post also drew criticism and led to takedown requests.

Artists and performers previously cited as having sought removal of administration-used material include Sabrina Carpenter, Noah Kahan, Olivia Rodrigo, MGMT, and comedian Theo Von, according to the reporting summarized here.

# Practical implications

• For DHS: continuing to use third-party music and athlete footage risks further public challenges and formal takedown requests, and it invites scrutiny of how government accounts vet permission for intellectual property.
• For the NFL and athletes: the episode reinforces the need to monitor usage of NIL and to pursue takedown or legal remedies when unauthorized government use occurs.
• For the public: the use of a violent-sports montage to depict enforcement action shapes the tone and framing of immigration coverage and policy communication on official channels.

# What to watch next

Look for whether DHS follows the NFL's request and removes the video, whether Dawkins or the league pursue additional legal steps, and whether other artists or rights holders mentioned in prior disputes issue new statements. Monitoring official accounts for similar uses of copyrighted music or footage will show whether this remains an isolated incident or a recurring practice.