Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings hugs one of his players during warm ups prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi’s Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer made a statement to his players that other coaches should pay attention to.
As professional sports franchises in America continue to figure out how to navigate the social awakening happening in the country, we are being reminded of the human element behind the conglomerates.
Minneapolis was Ground Zero for the current wave of progress being made because it was the place where George Floyd was slowly killed by a police officer over the course of nine minutes. Minneapolis lit the fuse that sparked the revolution we’re watching spread across America, and those in positions of power are trying their best to help.
Not only help by donating or posting out a black box on social media, but also by listening.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer held a team-wide Zoom call in which he addressed what is happening, gave his support to the players and to the protests, and sent a message of love that instantly resonated with everyone in the locker room.
Ameer Abdullah told the Star Tribune a little of what Zimmer said to the team, which was not only heartfelt but was the type of stuff that will make someone want to run through a wall for the Vikings head coach.
“He said, ‘I don’t understand, and maybe I haven’t given this as much attention, but I love every single one of you guys and I’ll fight for you like you’re my sons.”
It’s a time in our history where actions are truly speaking louder than words, as protests around the country have created change in places we never thought we’d see. The Minneapolis City Council announced last week that the police department would be disbanded and replaced with a community force, NASCAR banned the use of the confederate flag, and reform is starting to happen in cities all over America.
We still have a long way to go, but listening to those who need to be heard and supporting them has never been more important than in the middle of a tide shift like the one we’re seeing.