The NFL this week announced the formation of a joint player and ownership committee and commitment focused on social justice that includes Jaguars owner Shad Khan.
The campaign, “Let’s Listen Together,” launched this week and includes a multi-layered roll-out, including digital content and brand spots highlighting the player-led work on social and racial equality. The platform will also include social media support, as well as individual letters from players and owners sharing their stories and personal reasons for making social justice a priority.
“I’ve personally experienced social ignorance and injustice in my life, but unfortunately millions of Americans face societal challenges each day that are far greater and outweigh anything I have encountered,” said Khan. “We have an opportunity and obligation at the National Football League to first make this stop, and then build a community – whether that’s local, national or global – where right and good prevail. This is a calling that I am proud to answer as a member of the committee, and being surrounded by strong owners and players who share the same commitment, I am confident the progress and change we need will happen. It may not be easy getting there, but we will do all we can to get there and ultimately be better.”
The working group committee, which held its first meeting at the league office in December, also includes Arizona Cardinals Owner and President Michael Bidwill, Atlanta Falcons Owner and Chairman Arthur Blank, Cleveland Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam and Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross. The player representatives are New York Jets offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum and quarterback Josh McCown, Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman and former players Anquan Boldin and Aeneas Williams.
According to the NFL, the group will focus on supporting programs and initiatives that reduce barriers to opportunity, with a priority on supporting improvements in education and economic development, community and police relations and the criminal justice system. It will work directly with league staff to help identify future initiatives that have both broad support and a potential for high impact, and make financial recommendations accordingly.
For more information, visit www.nfl.com/letslistentogether.
