KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Thursday night’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans was the first game of the 2020 NFL season.
But it was hardly just a game.
The country’s continued conversation over systemic racism, inequality and police brutality was part of several pregame activities led by the NFL and players from both the Chiefs and Texans.
One of those activities involved the two teams locking arms together, the line stretching nearly the length of the field, as the players and fans stood in a moment of silence to remember the victims of racism and police brutality.
Video of the moment was posted on social media, and people from across the country immediately took Chiefs fans to the task, as the audio from the video appeared to indicate fans booing the moment.
A moment of silence dedicated to the ongoing fight for equality in our country. #ItTakesAllOfUs pic.twitter.com/srC0SlnWdh
— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2020
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said in a post game interview that he didn't notice many boos from the field level.
#Mahomes says he didn't hear many boos at field-level. Hopes fans will continue to support them on the field, and off. pic.twitter.com/fMyYB3PPCv
— Aaron Ladd (@aaronladd0) September 11, 2020
Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas posted on Twitter Thursday night, saying that while he heard boos, “we have hundreds of thousands more around here who respect the message the players are sharing.”
We’re a good city of good people. I heard boos too. But we also have hundreds of thousands more around here who respect the message the players are sharing; who respect the rights of our players and people to voice a strong message and who are working to make us better each day.
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) September 11, 2020
Video from fans inside the stadium showed a largely appreciative crowd.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
