The world is hurting right now. It’s been a week of unparalleled emotional strain on communities across America, as the fight to end Racism, and Police Brutality on minorities has turned into an uprising and a revolution – one that has been met with a mixed reaction from those in power. From Athletes to government officials, the overwhelming consensus is that we all need to be doing everything we can to spark the systematic change the world so desperately needs, but the same can’t be said for everyone.
Other teams, like the Dallas Cowboys or New York Rangers, have either said nothing at all, or very little, on the peaceful protests that now engulf their communities and fanbases.
It’s natural that fans of sports teams turn to their idols in times of emotional unrest, to look for guidance on these issues and to understand where they sit. It may have taken a little longer than expected from a team who are so typically on the ball with being on the right side of the fight and using their platform to do some incredible things, but the Eagles have done things the right way.
After Carson Wentz and Zach Ertz both made public statements, there was a long breath before the team revealed a statement. But when they did…it hit.
With a blacked out logo, the Eagles graced social media with an empathetic statement that was flooded with emotion. You could feel every word that Jeffrey Lurie poured into it as someone that worked closely with Malcolm Jenkins during the anthem protests.
It was then reported that the Eagles’ owner sat in on a special team meeting on Monday where players were encouraged to share their experiences on dealing with racism in America – enlightening those who may not have endured those traumatic moments or experienced first-hand just how much strain systematic oppression puts on black people within the country. This was met with statements like this from Eagles kicker Jake Elliott.
For the Eagles to broach this so well, to unite their entire team and share those experiences so that everybody hurts the same way in order to facilitate a bond and togetherness in a time of division and anguish, is beyond respectable. While other prominent teams and athletes struggle to keep everyone on the same page and walk a public tightrope when making statements, the Eagles continue to bring their team together to influence a culturally diverse community and in a time like this, that simply has to be not only acknowledged and respected, but encouraged and applauded.
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
