Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is most likely breathing a sigh of relief because he won’t have to represent his favorite NFL team’s rival this month.
Axalta, Earnhardt’s sponsor, originally planned for Earnhardt to drive a car with the Philadelphia Eagles’ logo to promote Axalta’s All-Pro Teachers program during the NASCAR Cup race at Pocono Raceway on June 11.
Earnhardt, a Washington Redskins fan, supported the program, but wasn’t pleased about representing an NFC rival.
"I'm really sad about that. Being a Redskins fan, it was very hard to wrap my brain around it," Earnhardt said on Periscope, according to ESPN.
On Friday, the Eagles and Axalta announced the paint scheme violated an NFL rule that prohibits club logos being used to promotion another sport.
"Having been reminded of the NFL's policy, we understand and respect their point of view," the Eagles said in a statement. "While we are disappointed that we will not have the opportunity to increase the visibility of the Axalta All-Pro Teachers program through the Pocono 400 this year, we remain committed to supporting STEM curriculum and the educators who inspire our youth through our relationship with Axalta."
Pictures of the proposed car were provided by Eagles’ PR coordinator Anthony Bonagura in April.
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