Right about now there are over 130,000 people poised to boycott the National Football League due to alleged blackballing being visited upon Colin Kaepernick for his protest against police brutality and oppression last season.
Though he has relatively silent as he attempts to make his way back to the NFL, one player he inspired with his initial protest will continue doing what Kaep has stated that he will not – protest on the field.
Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl safety Malcolm Jenkins was one of the first dudes to speak out in defense of Kaepernick, and he was one of four players that visited Capitol Hill to try to move the meter of change from the inside of the apparatus that Kaep has thumbed his nose at.
Jenkins carried over his protest to the field during the Philadelphia Eagles’ first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.
National Anthem Protestor Malcolm Jenkins Goes on a Ride Along with Philly PD
As part of The Clubhouse series, Malcolm Jenkins wanted to ride along with Philadelphia Police to gain a new perspective on policing. During his ride along, he and an officer shared their contrasting opinions about police brutality.
Last season, I raised my fist as a sign of solidarity to support people, especially people of color, who were and are still unjustly losing their lives at the hands of officers with little to no consequence, Jenkins said in a statement. After spending time with police officers on ride-alongs, meeting with politicians on the state and federal level and grass roots organizations fighting for human rights, its clear that our criminal justice system is still crippling communities of color through mass incarceration.
Jenkins’ protest differed from Kaep’s in that he is raising a fist where Colin would’ve instead taken a knee.
As the blowback against those who stand up for what is right thickens, I feel it is necessary to push forward with a relentless determination, Jenkins continued. I want to send a message that we will not easily be moved or deterred from fighting for justice.
