NFL, NFLPA discusses social activism

The NFL and NFL Players Association released a joint statement announcing that representatives from the league and the players union met Tuesday to discuss social activism by players.

“The NFL and NFLPA met today to discuss the important issue of social activism by NFL players,” the statement read. “(Commissioner) Roger Goodell, (NFLPA executive director) DeMaurice Smith, Eric Winston, Robert Kraft, John Mara, Art Rooney and other player leaders engaged in a productive conversation. We are all committed to an ongoing dialogue.”

Last week, the NFL held a meeting with players and team owners to discuss the national anthem and player protests. The conversation about the players’ interest to address social issues continued this week.

Tuesday’s meeting comes less than a month after four players wrote a letter to Goodell asking for the league for “support, collaboration and partnerships to achieve our goal of strengthening the community.” The letter also included a request for the NFL to establish an activism awareness month.

According to Yahoo Sports, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and wide receiver Torrey Smith, and former Arizona Cardinals wideout Anquan Boldin wrote a 2,740-word document intended to push the NFL to honor activism in an effort “similarly to what the league already implements for breast cancer awareness, honoring military, etc.”