The Jacksonville Jaguars held their own protest Friday against inequality and police brutality, marching from their stadium to the steps of the local sheriff’s department.
“Today we say, ‘No more,'” wide receiver Chris Conley said. “Today we see a nation that can’t await change, a city that won’t sit still or be quiet.”
Players were joined by their families, coach Doug Marrone, general manager Dave Caldwell and assistant coach Terry Robiskie. The Jaguars started the march at 9:04 a.m. ET to signify the local 904 area code.
The protest came two days after owner Shad Khan spoke against racism in a letter on the team website. He promised then that the franchise would work toward a “timely response.”
Conley, wearing a “Black Lives Matter” T-shirt, spoke at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department. He said he cried when he saw the video of the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man who was jogging when killed Feb. 23 in Georgia.
Marrone said the Jaguars are working on actions they believe can make a difference. He also challenged the white community to take a step back, listen and learn.
“Let’s not make the same mistakes we’ve made,” Marrone said. “We need to stand together white and black to make this movement work.”
Center Brandon Linder, wide receiver DJ Chark, right tackle Jawaan Taylor, linebacker Lerentee McCray, kicker Josh Lambo and quarterback Joshua Dobbs were among the players who attended. Some players who were not in Jacksonville, including quarterback Gardner Minshew, linebacker Joe Schobert and defensive end Aaron Lynch, submitted videos in support of the march that were posted on the team’s official website.
With the NFL allowing only coaches to return to their offices Friday and players still working remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic, several Jaguars could not take part in the march.
ESPN’s Michael DiRocco and The Associated Press contributed to this report.