Cam Newton makes Patriots debut in 'Say Their Names' cleats
For the first time in 20 years, a quarterback other than Tom Brady is taking the field for the New England Patriots. While Brady never made a statement with his cleats, Cam Newton is bringing attention to a very important cause.
The new Patriots signal-caller took the field in cleats that read "Say Their Names!" and "7 shots." The seven shots references the shooting of Jacob Blake. His cleats pay tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement and sheds light on the fight to end racism.
The NFL has enacted multiple initiatives to bring light to the fight for social justice and equality. Players now are allowed to kneel during the national anthem and also are allowed to wear personalized decals with names of social justice causes or names of victims of police brutality and racial injustice on their helmets.
On top of that, the league is playing the Black national anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing' before every Week 1 game this season.
Newton has been one of the more vocal members of the Patriots organization when it comes to speaking out against racial injustice. We can only expect him to continue voicing his support with his cleat choices throughout the season.
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