NFL trades sponsorship with Papa John’s for Pizza Hut

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ)- The NFL season kicks off this Thursday night with the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles in action.

With the season kicking off, there is also a new pizza sponsor for the NFL.

The NFL is trading the sponsorship from their original sponsor Papa John’s for Pizza Hut.

Papa John’s lost their sponsorship over Founder and Former CEO John Schnatter’s comments and criticism about NFL players protesting during the national anthem.

Schnatter’s comments created controversy which also caused him to step down as Chairman of Papa John’s in July after admitting to using a racial slur.

Pizza Hut has now become the official sponsor.

The Courier-Journal reported Tuesday that the NFL and Papa John’s ended their relationship entirely.

The Courier-Journal said the sponsorship with Pizza Hut quote,” Could be a breakout play in a tough fight to secure a bigger slice of the $40 Billion-plus limited-service pizza market.

They say Pizza Hut is investing $130 million to enhance the brand.