Think politics and policy aren’t my business because I’m a professional athlete? In fact, the bigger my platform, the more I need to empower others.
As an NFL player, my platform may be larger and my voice may be louder, but your vote is just as powerful as mine.
Much has been said about athletes advocating for issues outside of their sports. We’ve spoken out about social justice, health care and education. We back that up with action, meeting with lawmakers, engaging our local law enforcement, and creating opportunities to bring our communities together. Yet we’re faced often with criticism about mixing politics with sports and getting involved with matters not within our so-called expertise.
The fact is: Athletes are role models, whether they play for a professional team, in college or in high school. Many of us see that as an opportunity to give back to our community and serve as a voice for the voiceless.
At the same time, we need to empower people to use the voice they already have. Every eligible American has a right to make their voice heard through the voting process. Spreading that message is something we all, as citizens, can claim as our area of expertise.
Turn out to vote to stop living hand to mouth
I grew up in a family of little means in Oakland, California. I know that many people living in inner cities with lower incomes don’t believe their vote makes a difference and often are forced to be more concerned about putting food on the table than participating in an election.
More: School discipline is racist enough for black students like me. Arming teachers will make it worse.
