KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The leaders of Chiefs Kingdom made it clear on Saturday that the organization is set on leading by example and calling for change.
Head Coach Andy Reid spoke first during a call with media. When asked about all the challenges 2020 has brought the nation, Reid said, "We're a tough country," and he's proud of the way "we're attacking the issues."
Take a listen to #Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid as he addresses all the challenges 2020 has brought our nation...
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) August 29, 2020
"We're a tough country...we're attacking the issues...I'm proud of the way we're doing it." #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/WjXmJEmzZX
Up next, the Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes didn't hold back. The young quarterback quickly addressed social injustices and how he personally plans on making a difference.
"I'm gonna do whatever I can to fight for equality for all people," Mahomes said.
Patrick Mahomes makes it clear...
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) August 29, 2020
"I'm gonna do whatever I can to fight for equality for all people...I'm not worried about people and how they're gonna do negative stuff back to me, I'm worried about doing what's right for humanity and making sure that all people feel equal." pic.twitter.com/ze6bSUvohB
One of hottest topics in the NFL was inevitably brought up shortly after. Mahomes gave his thoughts on kneeling during the national anthem, as the team's home opener approaches on Sept. 10. Instead of saying whether or not he would kneel, the QB stuck to the dialogue behind why players kneel, saying "It's became something where it's, whether or not you're gonna kneel instead of the reason why... It's not the gesture. We're trying to fix something."
The FULL answer #Chiefs Patrick Mahomes gave @pgsween when asked about kneeling...
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) August 29, 2020
Let me be clear, the question was NOT whether Mahomes would kneel, but WHY it is so frustrating that there is SO much emphasis on the gesture, not the message behind the gesture of kneeling... pic.twitter.com/rbCFeWZduk
CEO Clark Hunt came to the podium following Mahomes and gave an answer that surprised many on social media in regards to players kneeling. Back in 2017, Hunt made a statement saying he would 'prefer' players to stand for the anthem. Today, Hunt added to that statement saying, "We're in a very different place as a country... This is a time to be sensitive. It's a time to listen, it's a time to understand."
Listen to #Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt answer @SamMcDowell11 question about kneeling, after making a statement back in 2017 saying he'd "prefer" players to stand...
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) August 29, 2020
A lot has obviously happened since 2017...
"We're in a very different place as a country...This is a time to listen" pic.twitter.com/o5VCg62g2b
Clark also praised his organization and players for continuing to be so involved with the community and responding to social injustice.
"They want to do things that will make our country better"
Specifically, Hunt applauded Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu for their efforts on voter registration. He added the Chiefs hope that Arrowhead will become a polling station for the upcoming election.
#Chiefs Clark Hunt says the organization encourages players to get out in the community and use their platforms.
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) August 29, 2020
He continued that Patrick Mahomes and Tyrann Mathieu,
are "very engaged, they want to make a difference, they want to do things that make our country better." pic.twitter.com/r3Mc5CuY3q
Lastly, Hunt spoke on the Native American Imagery and how the conversations between the Chiefs and organizations have continued to be positive. This all coming after the Chiefs recently announced their decision to ban headdressesand fans from wearing face paintings that reference or “appropriate” American Indian cultures.
Lastly #Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt spoke about the Native American imagery and changes that recently came this summer...
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) August 29, 2020
"We know the issues that they care about...the name and the name of the stadium are not things that are high on their list." #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/BoMaWpagSM