NATIONWIDE — After a rocky few months, the NFL and Papa John’s have mutually decided to part ways and end their sponsorship deal.

A statement on the Papa John’s website says : “As we plan for our future, it is important to diversify our media investments. Accordingly, we have mutually agreed with the NFL to shift from an official league sponsorship to a focus on partnerships with 22 local NFL teams, presence in broadcast and digital media, and key personalities in the sport. This gives us the opportunity to continue connecting with football fans while promoting our brand on new platforms.”  

Papa John’s became the NFL’s official pizza sponsor in 2010, according to ESPN.

On Feb. 28, the NFL announced Pizza Hut will now carry the designation of the official pizza. The multi-year deal includes several designations including exclusive marketing rights and collective use of all 32 team marks.

"We know many of our fans enjoy pizza while watching NFL games and we are thrilled to have Pizza Hut, an industry leader and one of America's favorite brands, as an official league sponsor," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. "With a focus on family, friends and fun, Pizza Hut has the creativity we are looking for in a partner and we look forward to working together with them to make the at-home NFL experience more exciting than ever for our fans."

Papa John’s came under fire November 2017, after former CEO John Schnatter made comments blaming company sales on the “Take a Knee” controversy and poor leadership. He later apologized and said his remarks weren’t meant to be divisive.