The NFL has reportedly requested that the Department of Homeland Security remove a video that features Brian Dawkins. The former Philadelphia Eagles standout was recently shown in a video that had been posted by the DHS.
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Dawkins took to social media to confirm he hadn't given permission for his name or likeness to be used.
"I have respectfully not given permission to anyone other than those I currently do business with to use my NIL," Dawkins wrote on X. "Be Blessed!"
The video in question shows a highlight reel from Dawkins' playing days. He can also be heard chanting "the time has come." It's believed that the video, which also included agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was posted in response to reports of a "migrant caravan" traveling from Honduras to the United States.
"We have requested DHS take down the video," Brian McCarthy, a spokesperson for the NFL, said.
"The DHS has since responded to the situation. "DHS is playing lockdown defense at the border. We will use every Weapon at our disposal, from A to X, to keep Americans safe," a DHS spokesperson told PEOPLE.
During his playing career, Dawkins earned the nickname "Weapon X," which is what the spokesperson was referring to. He is also in the Hall of Fame and widely considered one of the best defensive players of all time.
This Isn't the First Time a Celebrity Has Had Their Likeness Used
Dawkins isn't the first celebrity to have their likeness used in a video such as this. In fact, Ariana Grande, Noah Kahan, Zara Larsson, and Katy Perry have all recently spoken out. Each of them had their songs or likeness used by the administration.
Nevertheless, it doesn't appear that Dawkins will be the last to have their work or likeness used in one of these videos.
"The White House said in a statement to PEOPLE on Monday that the ads are legal public service announcements," PEOPLE reports.
Fortunately, those who are having their work or likeness used in these videos are speaking out quickly and firmly. Over time, that could lead to a change.
