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Jags owner Shad Khan named to NFL’s player-owner committee on social justice

Jacksonville, FL — The NFL has formed a player-owner committee focused on social justice, and Jacksonville Jaguars Owner Shad Khan is among the group.

The “Let’s Listen Together” initiative launched today is designed to highlight ongoing efforts to improve communities by players, owners, law enforcement, and civic organizations, according to the League. That will include highlighting player-led work on social and racial equality through digital content and spots, social media support, and players and owners sharing their own experiences through letters.

“I’ve personally experienced social ignorance and injustice in my life, but unfortunately millions of Americans face societal challenges each day that are far greater and outweigh anything I have encountered. We have an opportunity and obligation at the National Football League to first make this stop, and then build a community – whether that’s local, national or global – where right and good prevail. This is a calling that I am proud to answer as a member of the committee, and being surrounded by strong owners and players who share the same commitment, I am confident the progress and change we need will happen. It may not be easy getting there, but we will do all we can to get there and ultimately be better,” says a statement from Khan.

Joining Khan on the player-owner committee are Arizona Cardinals Owner and President Michael Bidwill, Atlanta Falcons Owner and Chairman Arthur Blank, Cleveland Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam, Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross, New York Jets offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum, New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown, Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman, and NFL veterans Anquan Boldin and Aeneas Williams. The NFL says the committee held its first meeting in December.

The committee has been tasked with supporting programs and initiatives that reduce barriers to opportunity, with the priority being education, economic development, community and police relations, and the criminal justice system. The committee will work with the League to identify future initiatives and make financial recommendations.

“In developing this plan, we have taken the lead from our players and are honored to join them in this work. Their work has deepened our understanding of the unique platform we have to help advance progress in a profound and unifying way,” says a statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The NFL Foundation has also now launched a grant program for active and retired players who develop social justice programs or partner with non-profits on that work. Additionally, the NFL’s government affairs division is looking at how to support the Players Coalition, players, and clubs interested in criminal justice reform.

This all comes near the end of a season in which the NFL dealt with substantial controversy around players and team officials kneeling during the National Anthem in protest of issues like racial inequality and injustice. The League announced during the season that it would be developing programs to allow players and teams to promote the issues. For his part, Khan stood arm-in-arm with Jags players and staff- while some knelt- in a show of team unity ahead of the London game. The Jags and many other teams made a statement that weekend, in response to critical tweets at the time from President Trump.

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