Several members of the NFL Network's Thursday Night Football crew will wear purple tonight in recognition of Spirit Day, Outsports has learned via NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello and NFL Network commentator Michael Irvin.

Outsports had made the request to the NFL earlier this week, after our earlier article regarding the NFL's support of Spirit Day. We have found the NFL to be incredibly supportive of the LGBT community over the years, and today's outward show of support for bullied LGBT youth will be the latest example. According to Aiello, host Rich Eisen will wear purple and will also mention Spirit Day during the broadcast; Steve Mariucci and Michael Irvin will also be adorning purple.

"By taking a stand against bullying and voicing support for LGBT youth, the NFL is sending a powerful message to sports fans everywhere: homophobia has no place in the game," said GLAAD's Wilson Cruz. "Leagues including MLB, MLS, NHL, the NFL and the NBA, along with other sports groups, are redefining what it means to be part of the team today for Spirit Day."

Since Deion Sanders is often seen in a purple suit, we'd expect nothing less from him. Ha.

Tonight’s game features the Seattle Seahawks at the Arizona Cardinals. The broadcast starts at 6pmET; The game kicks off at 8:25pmET. The Seahawks are favored by about 6 points. Follow the game tonight, and other NFL news, on SB Nation.

According to GLAAD spokesperson Rich Ferraro, tonight's Major League Baseball game between the Red Sox and Tigers will also feature a mention of Spirit Day.

You can support Spirit Day by changing your social media profile to purple and tweeting out #SpiritDay. Outsports has turned our front page purple today in support of bullied LGBT youth.

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