Seahawks CB Richard Sherman is the first athlete The Players’ Tribune is featuring in a weekly series, which is running during the '16 NFL season. Additionally, Sherman is one of several athletes in “First Step,” a TPT series featuring players talking about the issues and causes important to them, which is sponsored by American Family Insurance. Sherman answered a few questions by email about his relationship with TPT, his sponsors and speaking out on issues.
Q: Why are you doing the weekly series with TPT and the "First Step" episode?
Sherman: It’s really about connecting with people in a more honest way. TPT gives athletes the freedom to be transparent. I've read a lot of the articles, and every story is unique and powerful. I think the goal of TPT is to make an impact. And with something like the "First Step" episode, if I can highlight the things I’m doing to affect people in our communities in a positive way, and if that can influence somebody else to do something amazing and make an impact on the world -- that’s incredible.
Q: What is your relationship with the TPT? How did this series come about? What are your plans with the platform in the future?
Sherman: It’s an ongoing relationship. We’re only a couple of weeks into the season, so it’s really only just beginning. We’ll have something every week throughout the season -- every Thursday -- and we’ll go in depth on a number of things, from personal and sports issues to social issues. Nothing's really off the table.
Q: What kind of reaction have you received from the TPT series? What did you expect and what surprised you?
Sherman: The reaction has been great. I’m not sure I “expected” anything. The goal is to be organic and connect with people in a meaningful way. It’s still early, but I think we’ve done that, and will continue to do that.
Q: What sponsors do you have and are any of them going to sponsor your series?
Sherman: American Family Insurance has been my first brand partner that is also working with The Players' Tribune. I really value the depth of the relationships I have with my brand partners. All of them have made an effort to get involved with my passions, specifically Blanket Coverage. Currently, I am aligned with American Family Insurance, Oberto Beef Jerky, BodyArmor sports drink, Jeep, Nike, (mobile app) FINAO, (helmet maker) Vicis, and I am also excited about a new partnership which I cannot announce just yet but you will see it throughout the year.
Q: What do you think of athletes speaking out on social media or on platforms such as TPT? What impact do you think it has or could have in the future on sports and society?
Sherman: It’s crucial that athletes speak out, whether it’s on social media or platforms like TPT. Social media has already changed the way athletes connect with fans, and TPT is just another way for athletes to do that without their message getting misconstrued or taken out of context. It's more organic, more real. So I think the impact is, and will continue to be, huge.
