LaDainian Tomlinson praises Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes for speaking out on social issues
A few hours before Patrick Mahomes partnered Monday with Lakers star LeBron James on the “More Than A Vote” campaign, the Chiefs quarterback was praised for speaking out on social issues.
Former Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson wrote an essay on NFL.com with the headline, “A call for more NFL stars to speak up, ignite action for social causes.”
Tomlinson, who is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said he had not watched the entire video of George Floyd’s death by a Minneapolis police officer because it “brings back a lot of memories from experiences in my life that made me realize I am not equal in this country.”
He then outlined a number of times he encountered prejudice on and off the football field.
“We should have been past this a long time ago, and it’s unfortunate that it’s taken a video of a man getting killed by those who are paid to protect for some to recognize there’s a problem,” Tomlinson wrote. “It’s why more of our white brothers and sisters joined our fight by uniting with us, speaking out with us and advocating for us.”
Tomlinson has been encouraged by the peaceful protests around that nation and the way players like Mahomes have spoken out.
“The video released by a collection of players calling on the league to ‘condemn racism and the systemic oppression of Black people’ and ‘admit wrong in silencing our players from peacefully protesting’ was quite powerful,” Tomlinson wrote. “Seeing a superstar like Patrick Mahomes say ‘I am Tamir Rice’ was poignant, as it tapped into a direct, heartbreaking reality that we, as Black men, have to deal with in our society.”
Tomlinson shared about his “Team America” foundation that “aims to lead our nation to a new standard of tolerance.”
He concluded with a call to the young generation of NFL players and again mentioned Mahomes.
“So to current NFL players: Keep it up. Don’t stop now,” Tomlinson wrote. “I’m so incredibly proud of you for having the strength and courage that I wish I had had earlier in my career to speak up for what I knew was right. Your power to affect change may never be as potent as what it is today. For my football brothers still in the league who haven’t yet found their voice, there’s still time. As the reigning Super Bowl MVP recently said, ‘I’m blessed to have this platform.’
“It’s time to use it.”
You can read Tomlinson’s entire essay here.
