Thursday Night Football this week features the New York Jets playing at the New England Patriots. Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins is using the opportunity to elevate the 988 suicide hotline.
Hollins arrived at the Thursday Night Football home game at Foxboro against the New York Jets wearing a shirt that brought awareness to 988. It also offered a welcoming message to people about their belonging.
Mack Hollins wore a shirt elevating 988. | Screen capture from NFL Network
Hollins’ shirt shared messages important to LGBTQ people who might be struggling with who they are, including words like “Enough,” “Loved,” “Valued” and “Together.”
There is a long line of people across the NFL who have offered love and acceptance to gay, bi and lesbian people, as well as the entire LGBTQ community.
Current NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has spoken publicly about his support for his gay brother. His predecessor, the recently deceased former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, spoke publicly about his love for his gay son, as well as his gay son’s husband.
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In addition, major NFL players have spoken up about their acceptance of gay people. That has included players with the Las Vegas Raiders offering public support of out gay player and Raiders teammate Carl Nassib.
The New England Patriots have demonstrated support for the LGBTQ community. Team owner Robert Kraft has shown up at the Gay Bowl and even regular season games for the Boston LGBTQ flag football team.
Plus, current Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has said he would accept a gay player on his team.
The Patriots have benefitted from the easiest schedule in the modern era of the NFL. The Patriots are sitting at an 8-2 record after a few seasons when the team struggled to win the majority of its games.
Now the Patriots clearly benefit from an owner, coach and at least one player offering a hand to people in need.
Whether they are gay, bi, lesbian, or otherwise LGBTQ or not.
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