# NFL and DHS dispute over athlete likeness use > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nfl-and-dhs-dispute-over-athlete-likeness-use > Updated: 2026-09-30T03:00:00.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 2. The National Football League (NFL) has formally requested that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remove a social media video featuring retired Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins. The video, posted to X, used career highlights and pregame rituals to address reports of a migrant caravan approaching the U.S. southern border. DHS captioned the content with phrases such as “Our time has come” and “The Border Is Closed.” A spokesperson for the agency defended the post, stating the agency is “playing lockdown defense at the border” and utilizing every “Weapon at our disposal, from A to X,” a reference to Dawkins’ nickname, “Weapon X.” Both the NFL and Dawkins have stated that permission was not granted for the use of his name, image, or likeness. While the NFL noted it holds the rights to official game footage, reports indicated the video remained online as of Wednesday afternoon despite the formal request for removal. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: NFL demands DHS remove video featuring Brian Dawkins The NFL has demanded the Department of Homeland Security remove a social media video using Brian Dawkins' highlights to promote border security, citing lack of authorization and licensing. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nfl-demands-dhs-remove-video-featuring-brian-dawkins ### 2026-09-28: NFL requests DHS remove video of Brian Dawkins used in border security post The NFL has requested the Department of Homeland Security remove a social media video featuring former player Brian Dawkins used to promote border security messaging regarding a migrant caravan. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nfl-requests-dhs-remove-video-featuring-brian-dawkins --- Cite as: NFL and DHS dispute over athlete likeness use. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nfl-and-dhs-dispute-over-athlete-likeness-use