People would say football season is one of the best times of the year. We are currently in the middle of a season that has been unlike any other. It has been filled with lots of emotion, perseverance, and most importantly, a fight for social justice. From the first week of games to present day, we have seen an influx of support from black NFL players leading the way.
I remember watching the week one games and being taken aback watching every team stand in solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement. From seeing Raheem Mostert and other San Francisco 49ers kneeling for the National Anthem to Odell Beckham Jr. wearing a shirt that said “obey your reality” during pregame warm-ups, it was clear these players were here to make a statement.
Every week of games since, we have seen players use their platform to take a stand against racism within our society. San Diego Chargers running back Austin Ekeler created the I Know My Rights camp, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes helped launch a Today Show initiative as well as raise funds for future and current black entrepreneurs, and Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson wrote an op-ed in the Players Tribune discussing the significance of systematic racism in our world today.
These black NFL players are using their platform and status of being one of the most televised sports in the world to bring awareness to topics they are so passionate about. All of the players I mentioned have put in a lot of hard work into their craft on top of using their voices to be part of the social justice movement and fight for the cause.
Their level of perseverance and resilience to advocate for change within our world have been nothing short of inspiring. I am beyond proud of the black NFL players for using their platform to help bring together both races and bringing awareness to the injustices of police brutality and discrimination throughout our world. They will definitely be remembered and honored for their actions and stand against racism.
The second main topic is about voter rights across the United States. Recently, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Florida have passed laws restricting voting rights by requiring stricter form of identification from voters, reducing early voting options, and eliminating the ability for felons to have their voting rights reinstated. This particularly affects black citizens as they are disproportionately affected by the law. Many black NFL players have used their influence to increase voter awareness and fight for voter rights.
For example, former NFL players Anquan Boldin and Malcolm Jenkins have spearheaded an organization called Players Coalition. The organization mission is to advocate for criminal justice reform, advocate for education reform, use economic strategy to improve social justice, and promotes civic engagement. The Players Coalition has specifically collaborated with voting rights advocates to lobby for an expansion of voting rights and increase awareness of the new voting laws in the respective states.
Black athletes in the NFL have also expressed their support for voter registration drives, specifically those organized by the Players Coalition. Through the collective effort of the organization, black NFL players have helped raise $100 million in resources which have been used to help register to vote. Also, NFL player Russell Wilson wrote an essay in The Player’s Tribune discussing why he was encouraging voters to reach out their local representatives and express their grievances related to voting rights laws.
Furthermore, black NFL athletes have used social media to increase awareness of voting rights. Several players have encouraged their fans to check their registration status, inform them of their state’s voter laws, and promoting voter registration drive events. Everyone from quarterbacks Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers to offensive linemen such as Cam Erving and Demar Dotson, have used their influence to empower their fans to become politically engaged.
The last topic I will discuss is the blackout initiative. This cause was started to ask the NFL to recognize that Black Lives Matter and call for changes for more diverse representation in leadership in the NFL. As part of the initiative, black NFL players have asked their teams to wear all black during their games to recognize the movement.
In addition, in collaboration with the Players Coalition, nearly 400 current and former NFL players, some including Aaron Rodgers, Joe Thuney, Ryan Kerrigan, Jonathan Allen, Demario Davis, HaHa Clinton-Dix, and Malik Jackson have also asked the NFL to speak out in favor of the protests that occurred this summer following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other unarmed black citizens.
Moreover, the players requested that the league recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday, support the drawing of congressional district lines to align with the Voting Rights Act, and change the NFL anthem policy to make standing for the anthem optional. Furthermore, the players have asked the NFL to invest $250 million over the next ten years in initiatives to combat systemic racism.
To wrap it up, I think black NFL players have been doing great work towards improving the lives of African Americans in many forms. From speaking out against injustices to fighting for voter rights, they are using their platforms to bring change and create a more equitable world for everyone. It’s completely inspiring to see the efforts they have gone through to bring about justice in our society.