Like clockwork, when professional athletes veer from what they do in the public eye, they’re met with people who tell them to “stick to sports.”
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes isn’t interested in sticking to sports right now with the pressing issues of racial injustice. During Wednesday’s media availability Mahomes shared a message for those specific detractors who’d rather see him keep his mouth shut. Instead, of attacking them, Mahomes appealed to their sensibilities and explained why they shouldn’t continue telling athletes to “stick to sports.”
“We are people too,” Mahomes said. “I feel like those people [who say stick top sports] have kids and they understand that their kid could play sports and their kids could possibly be in the same position that we’re in. They would want their kids to show their heart and show who they truly are and try to affect the world in the most positive way possible. That’s what we believe that we’re doing. And so obviously, we know that not everyone agrees with everything that you’re going to say. Just know that when we say stuff, we mean it and we care and we want to make the world the best place for our future kids and for generations to come behind us.”
Mahomes knew there could be backlash from his decision to speak out, but that didn’t stop him. He’s not afraid of those people who don’t agree with him. Mahomes knows that he has a social responsibility that extends beyond the football field. Not just as a role model for the youth in Kansas City and elsewhere, but as someone who has the platform and ability to create change.
