The city of Minneapolis has been through a great deal over the past week. Following the tragic death of George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer on May 25, protests began, leading to some angered citizens damaging buildings and property in the Twin Cities. This has made food shopping difficult, if not impossible in some cases.
Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph is trying help out those affected by the situation, and organized a group of teammates to help provide relief to families in need throughout the area on Friday.
Rudolph described his day to Eric Smith of the Vikings' team website:
“This was supposed to start at 11 a.m., and we had over 100 people here at 9:30 a.m., so that just shows the need in this community and how badly people are suffering for essential goods and food. It really speaks to how important this stuff is, and it makes me feel extremely appreciative to have the opportunity to organize something like this.”
Rudolph carried bags of food to cars, defensive lineman Danielle Hunter brought cases of water around and wide receiver Adam Thielen handed out popsicles. Other teammates handed out other items. Added Rudolph,
“We tried to provide basic goods … things you would go to your local [store] and get, but you can't right now. We tried to come down here and provide families with things they need.”
Hunter is happy to be a positive influence:
“A lot of people watch us and are influenced by what we do, so it's just coming out and making a difference, being a difference and restoring the community … That will influence the younger ones for when they grow up.”
This great gesture by the Vikings players is but one of many that athletes have undertaken in their respective communities as nationwide protests are ongoing.
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