Chiefs players, coaches speak out on shooting of Jacob Blake. Here’s what they’ve said
The story of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man shot from behind seven times by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has sparked pleas for change across the country.
In some cases, athletes have led the way. In the NBA, MLB, MLS and the NHL.
And in the Chiefs’ locker room.
Conversations about social injustice continue to take place among Chiefs coaches and players, with head coach Andy Reid opening the floor for the discussions. Players have hinted they’re considering potential demonstrations for the season opener on Sept. 10, though defensive end Frank Clark said Friday nothing has been finalized.
But they’re moved to do something.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and safety Tyrann Mathieu have turned the efforts toward an increase in voter registration. Chiefs president Mark Donovan said this week the team will attempt to turn Arrowhead Stadium into a voting location in November.
The police shooting of Blake Sunday compelled many in the organization to speak about the topic. Here are some snippets of what Chiefs players and coaches have said over the past few days:
• Patrick Mahomes, quarterback
Mahomes has been vocal in supporting Black Lives Matter, appearing an a video this summer in which players demanded the league back their cause. They did.
Mahomes appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio this week and was asked about Blake.
“It’s just crazy, man, that this is still going on in the world that we live in today. We’re going to try to set the example on it, in whatever way possible, to show that we can get along and we can really respect one another for who they are and not the color of their skin. And we’re hoping that we can get over this. I mean it’s too long. It’s been too long, and we’re going to try to get over this and get to where we treat each other equally.”
• Frank Clark, defensive end
In a Zoom call with reporters Friday, Clark said the most difficult part of the situation will be one day explaining it to his young kids. He also offered a stark reality of what’s to come.
“This is something we’re going to continue to deal with. That’s what you gotta understand. That’s what I understand. Our country, if they think that another Black man isn’t going to get killed by a police officer, I feel like everyone’s confused. I feel like if we don’t think it’s going to happen again and continue to happen, we’re confused. At this point, we have to do something about it. Man, it’s just crazy, you know? It’s crazy.”
• Andy Reid, head coach
Before being asked a question during his news conference Wednesday, Reid opened with an off-script message about Blake.
“Listen, I’m just going to put my two cents in on Jacob’s situation. I think you guys know, I’m into team. I’m into peace and people getting along. Right or wrong, we all need to join hands, man, and make this world a better place where we can go into each other’s neighborhoods and be comfortable, and that we appreciate life and how important it is and how hard it is to create life — something that none of us are capable of doing in a test tube.
“It’s a precious thing, man. It’s complicated. It is precious. At this time, everybody needs to come together and join hands, like I said, and love each other for what we are, and the privilege that we have in this short period of time that we are on earth, as opposed to walking in fear, to walk with strength and pride and make this country the greatest place ever along with the world. We do that and we’ll be a great example to the world.
“My heart goes out to Jacob and his family in that situation. I don’t know the whole story. But I hate seeing the way things are going right now, and we’re better than that. Absolutely better than that.”
• Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator
Bieniemy spent the bulk of his time on the topic Friday complimenting Chiefs players, ownership, members of the coaching staff and front office for their response to social injustice issues in recent months. Then he zeroed in on the possibility of Arrowhead Stadium becoming a voting location this fall.
“That would be historical. I remember growing up as young kid. When I turned 18, I had to get a job, I had to go to school or I was gonna join the service. But on top of that, my mother told me, ‘Your ass is gonna vote. You are going to vote. Because we fought for this right.’
“And how about that? These guys have stood up and said, hey, let’s make this right; let’s make it where everybody can have the opportunity to come to this stadium and vote. I’m proud of the people that we have in this building, but I’m also proud of the people that have provided the light and way for them so they can come out and be free to be who they are and speak freely to the world about what’s going on and making the change.”
• Travis Kelce, tight end
Appearing with Mahomes on the radio show, Kelce echoed Reid’s sentiment.
“I think Coach said it best — everybody’s just got to love each other and appreciate one another for who they are, their differences, knowing that we all have differences. We all have crazy different upbringings (with) the people around us, thought of mind, things like that. Everyone has to come together and appreciate everyone for who they are, man. And until we have that peace of mind, I think we need to stand up and make a change, make a difference in our communities, until we see that.”
• Rashad Fenton, cornerback
Fenton grew up in Miami, a diverse city in which he said “Everyone treats everyone equally there. That’s how I was raised.”
On the shooting of Blake, he said, “Just the fact that could be my father. That could be my uncle. That could be me. Just putting that into perspective of just treating everyone equal. I don’t know why it’s so hard (or) why it’s a discussion to get treated fairly.”
• Tommy Townsend, punter
The Chiefs’ rookie punter, who is white, said his place in the team conversation is different than that of those around him.
“The biggest thing for me is just listening and learning from my teammates. It’s always good to step back and learn. I think that’s been something that’s been happening a lot recently. Our vets and team leaders have been doing a great job of bringing awareness and doing everything we can to start moving forward and create change. That’s something I’m looking forward to — keeping the discussions going and continuing to learn.
“This is something that’s very new to me. A lot of light is being shed on it now. I think it’s definitely something that’s sparking inside of me that’s making me want to go forward and create change and do what I can to help out. A lot of the stuff going on, it is tiring. Even this short period of time that I’ve been seeing it on social media, it’s exhausting to see. I hate seeing it. I hate seeing how it affects my teammates and how it affects their families. It’s obviously not right. It’s something that we gotta be better at and we gotta change.”