Football legends support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz on National Black Voter Day.
In an exciting and unprecedented move, more than 50 former football players and coaches, including some of the most distinguished individuals in the sport, have come together to announce their full support for Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz in the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election. This impressive group includes 10 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees, two Super Bowl champions and MVPs, former No. 1 overall picks, and trailblazing Black athletes and coaches who shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations.
The endorsement comes at a crucial time in American politics, with the group expressing their unwavering confidence in Vice President Harris’s integrity, values, and commitment to justice and equality of opportunity. In an exclusive letter obtained by CBS News, the athletes and coaches emphasized their belief that Vice President Harris will serve the best interests of all Americans as President.
The letter, signed by iconic figures such as Art Shell, the NFL’s first Black coach, Leslie Frasier, former Minnesota Vikings coach, James “Shack” Harris, the NFL’s first Black full-time starting quarterback, Greg Coleman, the NFL’s first Black punter, and Super Bowl MVP and Hall of Famer Richard Dent, highlights the importance of leadership that prioritizes inclusivity and progress.
This endorsement adds to the growing list of prominent athletes supporting the Harris-Walz Democratic ticket, joining the likes of NBA all-star Steph Curry and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. The announcement coincides with National Black Voter Day, an initiative spearheaded by Black Entertainment Television in collaboration with 40 civic organizations, including the NAACP and National Urban League, aimed at increasing voter registration among Black Americans before the November elections.
Vice President Harris’s engagement with various communities, including her recent appearance before the National Association of Black Journalists in Philadelphia, underscores her dedication to connecting with voters from all backgrounds. Responding to questions about her support among Black men, Vice President Harris emphasized the importance of earning every vote through genuine outreach and engagement, rather than taking any demographic group for granted.
As an alumna of Howard University, Vice President Harris holds a special connection to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and would make history as the first HBCU graduate to serve as President if elected. Throughout her campaign and time in office, Vice President Harris has emphasized the vital role of HBCUs in fostering academic excellence and contributing to America’s leadership domestically and globally.
Her enthusiasm for sports, particularly for her alma mater Howard University, has been evident through her attendance at events such as the Celebration Bowl and NCAA tournament games featuring the Howard Bisons. Vice President Harris’s genuine support for sports and HBCUs further solidifies her connection with diverse communities across the country.
The endorsement from these esteemed football players and coaches not only highlights their trust in Vice President Harris and Governor Walz but also underscores the importance of leadership that values diversity, inclusivity, and progress. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, their support adds a powerful voice to the growing momentum behind the Harris-Walz Democratic ticket.
