Green Bay Packers receiver Davante Adams was one of several star players appearing in a video pleading with the NFL to support players in their efforts against racism and oppression and admit wrongdoing in silencing past peaceful protests.
The collaboration from NFL stars came in response to the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and growing tensions over police brutality and racism in the United States of America.
The video included New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas, Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks, Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Cleveland Browns receivers Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr., Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, among others.
Together, the stars sent a powerful message to the NFL.
From the video: “This is what we, the players, would like to hear you state: ‘We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League, admit wrong in silencing our players from peacefully protesting. We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter.'”
Adams, a three-time Pro Bowl receiver for the Packers, joined the effort. He was also involved with the Packers’ video statement released on Thursday and has been vocal in expressing his experiences and opinions on the topics over social media.
Players want more support from the league as they use their own individual platforms to help battle social injustice and racism in the country. It’s clear they’ve felt shut out by the NFL in recent years, especially in the aftermath of Colin Kaepernick’s peaceful protest during the national anthem.
The star-studded video begins with a straightforward question from the players to the NFL: “How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players? What will it take?”
