Where New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees faced harsh backlash for his comments about “respecting the flag” during protests, his NFC South rival Matt Ryan has looked to provide support for causes that battle racial inequality and police brutality.
The Falcons quarterback launched a GoFundMe last week and donated $500,000 to support Atlanta’s black community — which has since raised over $1.1 million. And on Tuesday, Ryan spoke in favor of Colin Kaepernick being given an opportunity to land with an NFL team after the former 49ers quarterback’s apparent blackballing by the league.
Meeting with reporters on a Zoom call, Ryan spoke of the NFL players’ Black Lives Matter video and Roger Goodell’s subsequent response as it pertains to Kaepernick.
Ryan said:
“Part of the comment that was made by the league the other day is they’ve made mistakes in treating this and how they’ve handled peaceful protests and players voicing their opinions. I think they recognize that they’ve made mistakes there. As far as Colin (Kaepernick) being back in the league, I think that he should have every opportunity to. He created awareness for a situation. It’s taken some time, but people are becoming more active in terms of their response to it. I think from that standpoint, his protest is being heard. At this point, it might’ve taken too long. But I think he should have every opportunity to have a job and a spot in this league.”
Kaepernick last played in the NFL in 2016, but he has continued training to stay in shape for the possible opportunity from an NFL team.
