The Great Depression, they come out with the New Deal, black people didn't have access to those government stimulus packages. The New Deal set up what is known as the modern-day middle class. We didn't have access to programs - the G.I. Bill, Social Security, home loans - none of that.
Eric Reid
I have a Mercedes, which is a pretty fast car. It's not a Lamborghini.
I feel like I would be a hypocrite not to use my platform to speak up for people who are facing oppression in this country. I did it and I still do it because I believe it's worth letting people know that if we do this together, if we stand up together we can make change.
I think that's something that we as black people in this country have been robbed of. I compare it to my brother's wife, who is Hispanic. She was born in America but her parents are from Honduras. She speaks Spanish. She knows the culture. But most black people, we were robbed of that. We don't know our heritage.
I pride myself on being able to get the guys lined up on the team, and being a great teammate and also doing my job.
Ever since the eighth grade, I can honestly say I cut out carbonated drinks from my diet and started focusing on hydrating my body well. It's a message that needs to get out, especially in the south.
My faith is ultimately what led me to start protesting and it's what continues to drive me.
I refuse to be one of those people who watches injustices yet does nothing.
I'm from Louisiana, and I'm used to having space and a yard.
I think our society today, the negativity is at the forefront, so you see all the people that have outrage about this or that.
I still bleed purple and gold, so it was a no-brainer for me to go to LSU.
It has always been my understanding that the brave men and women who fought and died for our country did so to ensure that we could live in a fair and free society, which includes the right to speak out in protest.
We'll continue to hold America to the standard it says on paper that we're all created equal because it's not that way right now. But we're going to keep pushing towards that.
I've just always done what I've felt is best, according to what the Bible tells me. That's why I started protesting, and that's what I continue to do every day.
I think I'm a very cerebral player.
You know you can't satisfy anybody.
The goal is to talk about the issues that are happening in this country with the ultimate goal of making change.
You'd like to think we're past certain things, the way we treat people. I thought we were at a time where you love your neighbor as yourself. But as I've studied history - it hasn't repeated itself necessarily, but it's dressed a little different and is acting the same.
Faith without works is dead.
Three of my uncles served in the Armed Forces.
I try to look at myself to get better as a player.
All three of us boys, we grew up playing soccer. It was all of our first love. One of my coaches actually wanted me to try out for the U.S. national team, but I decided to quit to pursue football.
I majored in business at LSU before I left.
In the stands, I've always heard the people yelling. When I'm in the community, when I get approached, I can honestly say I've not had anybody say stop kneeling in public. It's all been supportive.
Guys that are playing in the preseason are one play away from being a starter.
It's really exciting for me and my brothers to watch the World Cup.
We want our president to be a president and not threaten to shut down the government over a wall. To change the oppression that happens in this country, it has no place in the world, let alone America.
I love big hits.
My goal every day is just to get better at something.
I expect to work hard, earn the respect of my teammates and hopefully I can start.
If I have another concussion and I don't feel like I can play anymore, then I won't.
I mean, football is a violent sport.
I've had concussions, and I'm still here. I still love the sport.
I think players on all teams are close.
I do like playing strong safety.
I trust my ability to play in any defense.
I think that's awesome to have a former player in the GM role, somebody that not only understands the game of football but has played the game of football.
I have a job to do, so I'm gonna do it.
For one, when has Jay-Z ever taken a knee to come out and tell us that we're past kneeling? Yes, he's done a lot of great work, a lot of great social justice work. But for you to get paid to go into an NFL press conference and say that we're past kneeling? Again, asinine.
I try not to look too far ahead.
I've been very fortunate and blessed to have been able to play football at LSU.
It was always my dream to go to LSU and play football.
I'd like to think I improve every day. That's the goal. I try to.
We have to speak up for those who can't do it for themselves.
I have a military background in my family.
My mother served in the Armed Forces.
In fact, my mom would have gone to the Persian Gulf War had she not been pregnant with me.
I believe I've got to speak up for my people.
Football is a game.
We have to lower our guard and know saying something's wrong isn't a bad thing.
