Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Matt Ryan wrote some words on the tragedy of George Floyd's death on Instagram for his followers on Saturday.
Floyd, an African-American man who asphyxiated while in custody by the Minneapolis Police Department officers last week, has been a beacon for social justice activists to lead protests across the nation this past weekend, from Minneapolis, to Louisville, New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, too.
Matt Ryan, the Falcons' former league MVP signal-caller, wrote on Instagram about his “commitment” to listening during tragedies like Floyd's death.
“My heart goes out to all of those who loved George Floyd, and all of those who have been impacted by similar tragedies,” Matt Ryan said. “I know that I cannot fully understand the depth and complexity of these issues because of the color of my skin, which is a sad testament to all of the work we have to do. I know I am only one man, but I also know I am committed to doing what I can. That commitment includes listening and learning with all humility and compassion. It is the least I can do. IT is the least WE all can do.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAyvYGGnaDM/
Matt Ryan, a 35-year-old Pennsylvania native who went to Boston College before the Falcons drafted him third overall in 2008, plays in a predominantly black professional sports league.
In the NFL, roughly 68% of players are African American, as of 2014, while 28%, like Matt Ryan, are white.
Matt Ryan also plays in a predominantly black city, Atlanta, with a deeply-rooted African-American culture and social scene.
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