BYU Football Players Say ‘Be The Change’ In ‘Black Lives Matter’ Social Media Video Post

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A group of BYU football players spoke about the Black Lives Matter movement and encouraged people to “be the change” in a social media video post.

The video was released by BYU football’s official Twitter account on Wednesday, June 10.

Cougars featured in the video included Jaren Hall (quarterback), Khyiris Tonga (defensive lineman), Matt Bushman (tight end), Chaz Ah You (linebacker), and Troy Warner (defensive back), Malik Moore (defensive back), D’Angelo Mandell (defensive back), Chris Wilcox (defensive back), George Udo (defensive back), Shamon Willis (defensive back), and Talmage Gunther (wide receiver).

“Don’t wish for change. Be the change,” many of the players said.

Be The Change. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/0BgeqlQHhQ

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) June 10, 2020

BYU Players

“My brother bleeds the same color,” said Tonga.

“My brother embraces my differences,” said Hall.

“My brother stands with me, not against me,” Warner said.

“My brother stands for justice,” Ah You said.

The players posted the video amid the nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.

On May 25, Floyd, a black man, died after a white police officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes.

“This is for George Floyd,” many of the players said. “And the countless others who have died from the hands of injustices,” Moore added.

Blackout Tuesday

In early June, the BYU football Twitter account participated in the “Blackout Tuesday” social media campaign in support of the fight against racial injustice.

#BlackoutTuesday pic.twitter.com/auMNqKCQvh

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) June 2, 2020

Backout Tuesday was a movement created to amplify the voices of black people on social media. The premise was to “mute” personal content and in place of it share content from black creators.

Andy Reid Says Black Lives Matter

On June 10, former BYU player and Super Bowl LIV champion head coach Andy Reid expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement and of his players who have been outspoken about the cause.

“We’re sitting here with this push on Black Lives Matter, and absolutely they matter, man. I think it’s a beautiful thing,” Reid said.