Green Bay Packers’ Tucker Kraft the First to Display Tribal Flag on Helmet

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft has caused a buzz in the tribal community and it’s in the best way possible. The honorary member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has received permission from the National Football League (NFL) to display his tribe’s flag on his helmet this season.

A Huge Step Forward for Indigenous Representation

“The NFL made it official today. Honored to represent!” Kraft posted on social media alongside a photo of the tribe’s flag. September 20 marked a historic event for Indigenous representation on a grand stage, as Native American people will be able to see a part of their culture on one of the biggest televised platforms in the country.

On top of that, the significance of a tribal flag on an NFL team’s helmet cannot be understated by tribes and Native communities everywhere.

“I am pretty excited to see the flag on his helmet,” Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) Councilman Joe Brings Plenty Sr. said. The tribal councilman explains that through the tough times and hardships his people have endured, it means an immense amount to see this type of representation.

Tucker Kraft: A Prime Example for Young Native Americans

The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is located in north central South Dakota and is home to more than 16,000 people. As one of the largest tribes in the United States, the fact that Kraft is an honorary member is a pretty big deal.

“…it doesn’t happen all the time,” Brings Plenty Sr. said, regarding Kraft’s honorary member status. “I think I may have seen one or two at the most, that we would make honorary tribal members,” he continued.

However, because Kraft called the reservation his home for his entire life, the tribe decided the title was necessary, especially considering the excellent example he’s set for other young adults living on the reservation.

“The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe recognizes the outstanding achievements of Tucker Kraft. The NFL and Green Bay Packers gained a hardworking, and exceptional young man who has many supporters behind him, including the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe., Brings Plenty Sr. expressed.

The Flag Displayed on Tucker Kraft’s Helmet

The CRST tribal flag includes four Lakota bands (Minnicoujou, Itazipco, Siha Sapa, and Oohenumpa), all of which are located on the reservation.

On the flag, the tribe’s name is proudly displayed, alongside thunderclouds, a rainbow, eagle feathers, two pipes, two medicine wheels, and all of the colors of the Lakota people.

Here’s what these colors represent:

Red, yellow, black, and white: These colors represent the four major races.
Blue: This color represents heaven.
Green: This color represents Mother Earth.

Progress Worth Celebrating

The fact that Tucker Kraft has been permitted to display his tribe’s flag on the Green Bay Packers helmet is a huge step forward for Native people across the country. In the future, seeing more and more opportunities for Indigenous people to showcase their culture on a nationwide stage will bring more progress for Native Americans.