Patrick Mahomes and other NFL players released a video discussing the Black Lives Matter movement.
The NFL was in deep water as they hadn’t released a statement about police brutality. They also had not expressed their stance on the Black Lives Matter movement. Conversely, most NFL teams and other sports leagues released statements supporting the movement. NFL players released a video called “Stronger Together” which featured stars such as Michael Thomas, Ezekiel Elliot, and Saquon Barkley. In the video, they said, “How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players?” “What will it take?” “For one of us to be murdered by police brutality?”
The Video
An NFL executive said “Roger [Goodell] had to act quickly” to respond once Goodell saw Mahomes in the video.
Albeit, Mahomes hadn’t voiced much of his status as an African-American quarterback in his first three years. However, he did make a statement at the Suber Bowl press conference.
“The best thing about it is you’re showing kids that no matter where you grow up, what race you are, that you can achieve your dream…For me, being a black quarterback — having a black dad and a white mom — it just shows that it doesn’t matter where you come from.”
Patrick Mahomes
Consequently, last Friday Roger Goodell finally released his statement.
“It has been a difficult time for our country, in particular, black people in our country,” Goodell said. “First, my condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all the families who have endured police brutality. We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter.”
The President Reacts
Conversely, Donald Trump did not approve of the Commissioner’s statement, responding on Twitter.
Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, has a lot of power. He can change the minds of many fans who look up to him. He and others helped change the Goodell’s mind. Furthermore, with the voice they’ve been given, they can change other’s minds too.
In the hope that the NFL can take steps in the right direction, players should continue to stand up for what’s right.
