The Jacksonville Jaguars held their own protest Friday against inequality and police brutality, marching from their stadium to the steps of the local sheriff’s department.
“Today we say, ‘No more,'” wide receiver Chris Conley said. “Today we see a nation that can’t await change, a city that won’t sit still or be quiet.”
Players were joined by their families, coach Doug Marrone, general manager Dave Caldwell and assistant coach Terry Robiskie. The Jaguars started the march at 9:04 a.m. ET to signify the local 904 area code.
The protest came two days after owner Shad Khan spoke against racism in a letter on the team website. He promised then that the franchise would work toward a “timely response.”
Conley, wearing a “Black Lives Matter” T-shirt, spoke at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department. He said he cried when he saw the video of the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man who was jogging when killed Feb. 23 in Georgia.
“Let’s not make the same mistakes we’ve made,” Marrone said. “We need to stand together white and black to make this movement work.”nfl nike jersey cheap
Marrone went to his office after the march. No other coaches accompanied him to the team’s facility.
The Jaguars’ protest is just one of many involving athletes since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Former Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell sponsored the Belle Isle Freedom March on Friday, a rally followed by a milelong walk.
The Lions tweeted about the march, and according to the Detroit Free Press, Lions coach Matt Patricia was in attendance at least for the rally portion of the event. Some Lions players who are local, including Jamal Agnew, Julian Okwara and Romeo Okwara, also attended.cheap nike nfl jerseys wholesale
Agnew, according to a Free Press video, protested while holding a sign celebrating Breonna Taylor’s birthday, which was Friday, and asking for justice in her case.
South Carolina coach Will Muschamp and football players joined others in a protest march from the governor’s mansion Friday.
Gamecocks quarterback Jay Urich joined several hundred people and carried a sign that read, “Matter is the minimum. Black lives are worthy. Black lives are beloved. Black lives are needed.”
On Wednesday, two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry marched in a protest along with his wife and four teammates from the Golden State Warriors, including Klay Thompson. Shaq Thompson and four other Carolina Panthers walked in a protest march Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina, with Thompson helping lead the way.
In Jacksonville, Jaguars center Brandon Linder, wide receiver DJ Chark, right tackle Jawaan Taylor, linebacker Lerentee McCray, kicker Josh Lambo and quarterback Joshua Dobbs were among the players who attended. Some players who were not in Jacksonville, including quarterback Gardner Minshew, linebacker Joe Schobert and defensive end Aaron Lynch, submitted videos in support of the march that were posted on the team’s official website.
