The NFL next year is launching a new social awareness month in which the league will "formally recognize a social awareness initiative with players in Weeks 13 and 15, and again in January," according to CBS' Jason La Canfora. This will be "one of the first tangible outcomes to come from last week’s unprecedented talks between players and owners at the NFL meetings." The league has "vowed to put the full weight of its marketing, PR and publicity arms behind the social awareness effort." The NFL will "allocate similar resources to Social Awareness Month as it has to 'Salute to Service' and 'A Crucial Catch.'" Players and owners "genuinely enthused by their progress will meet again at the end of the month" (“The NFL Today,” CBS, 10/22).
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Jenkins said he wants to use the NFL's platform to help initiate change in society
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TRUE TO HIS WORD: ESPN's Lisa Salters reported Eagles S Malcolm Jenkins was scheduled to go to the Pennsylvania state Capitol in Harrisburg today to "speak with legislators about bills coming up for a vote." Last summer "marked a turning point" in Jenkins' life, as "story after story of alleged police brutality around the country followed by horrific attacks against members of law enforcement compelled him to in his own words, ‘move from tweeting and hashtaging about it’ to seeing if he could be part of the solution." He pointed to NFL campaigns "dealing with breast cancer awareness and domestic violence as great examples of what can happen when the league gets behind an issue." He said, "We don't see this as any different. We want to utilize the platform of the NFL to help make great change.” Salters noted Jenkins traveling the morning after an "MNF" game "speaks to the level of his commitment." Salters: "He's going to be tired, but he’s going and that just shows how passionate he is about this issue.” ESPN’s Charles Woodson: “I'm so impressed with this young man and what he's doing because he is using his platform … for change.” He added, "What he's doing right now like going to see the legislative process and seeing how bills are made, or passed or what not, that is awesome and I appreciate Malcolm Jenkins and all the guys that are doing what they’re doing” (“Monday Night Countdown,” ESPN, 10/23).
