NFL Network presents a series of player social justice features in partnership with the NFL's newly launched “Let's Listen Together” initiative, beginning Thursday, Jan. 25 with Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and his work with the Upper Darby Police Department. The feature on Jenkins will air on NFL Network's Good Morning Football at 7 AM ET and NFL Total Access at 6 PM ET.
NFL Network's feature on Jenkins, along with upcoming segments on New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty and Eagles wide receiver Torrey Smith, is in partnership with the NFL's Let's Listen Together initiative, a campaign designed to promote engagement among players, owners, local leaders and communities on social justice and equality. Each week, NFL Network will feature players who advocate for social justice in their communities in partnership with the initiative.
Thursday, Jan. 25 at 6 PM ET – Philadelphia Eagles Safety Malcolm Jenkins
Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins sits down with Upper Darby, Pa. Superintendent of Police Michael Chitwood to discuss social justice issues affecting police and community relations, including details of a new intelligence training program to improve policing in their community.
“Over the past two years, I've joined other players across the country to educate ourselves on the issues that concerned us all as Americans, especially as African Americans,” said Jenkins. “We've gone on police ride-alongs, visited Capitol Hill to meet with legislators, met with community advocates about grassroots issues that impact millions of Americans. In the past six months, we've been able to take all that we've learned to NFL owners and team executives who have leaned in to hear more about these issues. Through the NFL's platform, you will see and hear more from the people who are impacted, the people who are working toward change and the people you can support. By having the courage to listen to some serious issues that impact millions of Americans, we can be there for one another. I am a firm believer that people, once informed, will take action and lend support to those who need it.”
Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7 PM ET – New England Patriots Safety Devin McCourty
Patriots safeties Devin McCourty and Duron Harmon, cornerback Johnson Bademosi and wide receiver Matt Slater, along with team president Jonathan Kraft join community advocates and elected officials at Harvard University to discuss systematic racism in education and criminal justice endemic to Boston. Following the discussion, the players visit Haley House, a nonprofit organization that helps victims of inequality seek economic independence.
"I believe it is my responsibility to be in the forefront to create change and a better life for others," said McCourty. "It's an honor to serve people who don't always have a voice. I've been able to listen and learn about the challenging life stories from multiple people, which has inspired me to help more, try to spread these anecdotes and encourage others to get involved."
Thursday, Feb. 8 at 7 PM ET – Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver Torrey Smith
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Torrey Smith and safeties Rodney McLeod and Malcolm Jenkins hosted a screening of “Walking While Black, L.O.V.E. is the Answer,” a film by A.J. Ali and Errol Webber, at Temple University. Following the film, Temple Law moderates a panel how local police and communities can unite in a climate of distrust. Issues of social justice reform, community policing and accountability will be explored.
The NFL's Let's Listen Together initiative highlights ongoing engagement efforts among players, owners, law enforcement and civic organizations to improve communities.