NFL Players Meet With Officials to Discuss Social Justice Issues

Players Coalition members are taking meetings in n major cities across the Northeast.

Cornerback Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Cornerback Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Getty Images

After raising fists, taking knees and standing tall in support of social justice last season, some NFL players are doing something else this week: Shaking hands.  

Starting this week, a number of current and former NFL players who are members of the Players Coalition social justice reform group began meeting with lawmakers and local officials across the Northeast to discuss issues in their communities.

The outreach began with Saints linebacker Demario Davis meeting with New York legislators in Albany on Tuesday to discuss race-based disparities in the bail system.

“We’re using our platform and our space to do our part, to raise awareness [on] the social injustices that are going on in our country,” Davis said, according to ESPN. “In New York, we’re focusing on criminal reform. That’s just a small piece in a big puzzle.”

Later in the week, retired tight end Benjamin Watson will meet with officials in Baltimore, Washington cornerback Josh Norman will visit a school in D.C. and Patriots corner Devin McCourty will talk to legislators in Boston.

The outreach will be capped off by Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and ex-wide receiver Anquan Boldin participating in a Harvard University summit on the topic of criminal justice reform on Friday.

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