Dallas Cowboys: A Failure in Silence

Why I wish just one of the Dallas Cowboys players would kneel with Colin Kaepernick.

There was once a time where I had the bright idea to update my NFL jersey collection with football greats. Even when you hate a team, there are individual players that earn recognition and respect for their skills. When I found myself in the great city of Chicago, I found myself holding an official Walter Payton jersey. I held it and held it but never walked towards the cashier. Instead, I found a mirror and put it on.

Instantly, I knew I had made a major mistake. My colors are Dallas Cowboys blue and silver. This didn’t look right and definitely didn’t feel right. I couldn’t get the jersey off fast enough. I can’t wear another team’s logo – not on a hat, a jersey, a wristband, a sock, a keychain, a usb charger – it’s The Star or nothing. Shopping online at NFL.com made my most recent purchase easier. In fact, I may never wear it. But I will soon own a Colin Kaepernick jersey.

It must be hard to be a professional athlete. Sports are entertainment and athletes aren’t supposed to be role models. Most of us expect them to run, catch, block, tackle, shoot and dunk for our amusement then disappear into the shadows until the start of the next game. The problem is: Athletes aren’t fictional characters. We aren’t cheering for Homer Simpson, Indiana Jones, Batman, Laura Croft or Master Chief.

I don’t have a problem with Charles Barkley for famously saying, “I am not paid to be a role model.” Unfortunately, most athletes are on sports franchises that we love and therefore have our love because we are fans. You don’t have to be a role model, but they have a unique ability to use their power for good.

It’s a great story when Nihar Janga, the National Spelling Bee co-champion, throws up the X like All-Pro wide receiver Dez Bryant after winning. Even better when Bryant brings Janga to a Cowboys’ practice. It shows that players have influence in our community. You don’t have to be a role model, just let your silent action speak volumes. This is why I wish just one of our players would – Kneel With Kap.

Taking a knee would spark conversation and education because Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones wrongly believes it’s simply about the flag. It’s not. I’ve been a Jones supporter, but was disappointed when he said, “We strongly, strongly support the flag.”

It’s a silent protest bringing awareness to social injustice and police brutality. It doesn’t take away the continued sympathy and support for the five fallen Dallas police officers and their families. You can be against America’s War in Afghanistan and still be in support of the American Government and our troops. You can love Tito’s vodka and be Against Drunk Driving.

With the drug suspensions for linebacker Rolando McClain, and defensive ends Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence; these players can’t take a leadership role. Perhaps veteran safety Barry Church could meet with the other four team captains: tight end Jason Witten, center Travis Frederick, linebacker Sean Lee and kicker Dan Bailey about joining Kap.

We love Witten for his play on the field and his character off it. He has a foundation that addresses domestic violence. Would Witten take a knee for that? Cornerback Brandon Carr has a foundation for youth education and donates to help his hometown Flint, Michigan. Would Carr take a knee for clean water?

Being superstars, a protest by Bryant or tackle Tyron Smith might get fined by Jones if the silent protest is against the ever-changing team rules. I don’t know if it’s being brave when you have nothing to lose, but they both have long term mega-contracts, the NFL Players Union and are irreplaceable on the field.

Next: Dallas Cowboys vs Chicago Bears: Five Things To Watch For

Maybe quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott could kneel with the security provided by being rookie starters and high draft picks. It only takes one – Carr? Byron Jones? Morris Claiborne? Mark Sanchez? Anybody?

#KneelWithKap
#StandForSomething
#GoCowboys
#TerrenceCrutcher
#KeithLamontScott
#ChristianTaylor
#TamirRice
#AltonSterling
#PhilandoCastile
#DylanNoble
#LaquanMcDonald

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