The University of Memphis football team will wear helmet stickers this fall in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, head coach Ryan Silverfield announced on Tuesday evening.
“The use of the ‘BLM’ logo on a helmet decal was an idea from our student-athletes,” Silverfield told The Commercial Appeal. “It doesn’t mean we support any anti-American, violent organization or hate group or any specific political party. In fact, I love this country and I love our players. Rather, the decal is a show of support to our team.”
The decal – shown on the matte gray helmet Memphis wore in the 2019 Cotton Bowl against Penn State – features the initials “BLM,” with the Tigers’ primary logo replacing the “M.”
Silverfield, who enters his first season as head coach following Mike Norvell’s departure for Florida State, also took part in an on-campus march against systemic racism and police brutality alongside his players last month.
“Every single day we need to continue to battle this and make a positive difference in our world,” Silverfield said. “It starts with you. Student-athletes, you guys have a wonderful platform. Use it. Let’s be the difference makers.”
Photos via the University of Memphis.
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