The NFL, together with NTERTAIN Studios and music label NEON16, led by Latino executives Tainy and Lex Borrero announced an expansion of their partnership for the 2023 season. Now in its third year, the collaboration will include a multimedia content series featuring music and artists from award-winning production powerhouse NEON16 and custom social video content. The series will showcase the diversity and inclusivity of the NFL by bringing together the shared passion for music and football by current NFL Latino players and emerging NEON16 music artists.
“Music is a leading passion point for Latinos, and we feel this partnership is an ideal platform for celebrating our Latino players and connecting more deeply with our fans,” said Javier Farfan, Cultural Strategist at the NFL. “This content series brings together the commonalities of artists and athletes and their inspirational stories from humble beginnings, as they reach the top of their careers and their goal of stardom. Working with NTERTAIN and NEON16 allows us to authentically tell these stories with the creative vision of tastemakers at the forefront of Latino culture, music and entertainment.”
This season’s partnership features a unique creative effort between Latino NFL players and rising NEON16 stars, as they come together to create an original song and music video while authentically sharing their passion for music, football and community.
This content series brings together the commonalities of artists and athletes and their inspirational stories from humble beginnings, as they reach the top of their careers and their goal of stardom.
The first song entitled “NIVEL #0B” is a production by RMAND, a rising Dominican star from Netflix’s hit reality music competition show La Firma, and is inspired by his experience working with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Braxton Berrios, who is of Puerto Rican descent. The full-length track is set for release during Week 3 of the NFL regular season in the lead-up to the Miami Dolphins Latino Heritage Month game and home opener on September 24th. A second full-length track made by another player and artist collaboration will debut later this season and will join the RMAND/Berrios song on this season’s Por La Cultura Anthem songs for this season.
“We loved the concept of having our artists collaborate with Latino NFL players to create something as unique as an original song,” said Lex Borrero, Co-Founder and CEO of NTERTAIN and NEON16. “While both share Latino heritage, we know that artists and athletes also share a common drive to succeed, the talent to shine and the work ethic to thrive in their respective careers. Unifying these traits and the mutual love and respect for music has led to some incredible art we can’t wait to share with fans this season.”
We loved the concept of having our artists collaborate with Latino NFL players to create something as unique as an original song.
In addition to the multimedia content series featuring NFL Latino players, RMAND is one of three NEON16 artists to feature in this year’s NFL Shop commercial, also scored by a NEON16 beat, along with fellow emerging stars Alex Ponce and Nashy-Nashai. The hitmakers at NEON16 will produce four tracks exclusively for the NFL and its 32 clubs to use as part of their soundtrack to the 2023 season.
“With more than 31 million NFL fans in the United States, there is no doubt that Latinos continue to fall in love with the sport of football every day,” said Marissa Solis, NFL, SVP Global Brand and Consumer Marketing. “We want to inspire Latinos with the lyrics and melodies created by these talented NEON16 artists in the same way they get excited for a perfectly executed pass and catch for a touchdown. This partnership unifies the heroes of stage and sport through their common bond as Latinos representing ‘por la cultura.’”
Last season, the NFL and NEON16, led by multi-platinum-selling creatives One Six and hitmaker, Tainy, announced the first-ever Por La Cultura Mixtape: Volume 1. The compilation, headlined by chart-topping artists, Will.I.Am, Anthony Ramos, El Alfa, Yandel, Snow Tha Product, Trueno, and others, and flanked by leading producers Albert Hype, Jodosky and Chael, featured exclusive tracks that captured the excitement and essence of Latino culture while celebrating the sounds of the game in new, modern ways.
This partnership unifies the heroes of stage and sport.
The collaboration comprised 10 exclusive tracks, including hit single “Rómpela” featuring Yandel, El Alfa and Will.I.Am and served as the backdrop to the NFL’s “Por La Cultura” campaign spot, “The Celebration.” This season’s NEON16 artists will release Anthem songs, music videos and a social series with some of the biggest Latino NFL athletes that build on the partnership. The music was used at the league and club levels throughout the season, enhancing in-game elements, marketing activations, and social media content.
The NFL’s partnership with NTERTAIN Studios and NEON16 has evolved since its inception in 2021, when artists including Jodosky, Kris Floyd, and Alvaro Diaz attended various NFL games as guests of the League.
“Por La Cultura” (For the Culture) is the NFL’s season-long campaign that highlights Latino players, coaches, and staff and celebrates Latino excellence, and tells authentic stories of the community. Stay tuned for more details on this season’s campaign.
