Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll hopes to empower Black voices in the NFL.

The Seahawks coach took part in a Zoom interview with Doug Farrar of USA Today, during which he stressed the need to listen to the players on issues on social issues, notably that of racial equality.

I don’t think players have been respected for what they have brought to our society. They’ve brought us the game, and an allegiance to our areas, and what we love and stand for and all of that, and they have risked so much to do that. Without them, we have nothing, Over the course of time, our players have become more versed, and more prepared to have so much to offer as we move forward. Their vision and their connection to what’s going on culturally and socially is at the essence of what’s going on right now.

Carroll also said the time is now for “transformation,” adding the combined strength and “conviction” of the masses will be the only thing that can lead to such a resounding transformation.

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The NFL is 75 percent Black. As such, Carroll suggested the league needs a greater representation of Black coaches, a notion which was recently echoed by San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Carroll has been among the more vocal NFL coaches in speaking about racial injustice. He previously joined NBA head coaches Steve Kerr and Greg Popovich during an episode of the Ringer's “Flying Coach” podcast, during which the three coaches discussed how they empower players as well as what can be done to amplify Black voices on and off the field of play.