What Colts Players Are Saying

The Indianapolis Colts canceled practice on Thursday in the wake of a white policeman shooting a black man, Jacob Blake, seven times in the back on Sunday in Kenosha, Wis. Colts players had a meeting Wednesday night and several took to Twitter to express their outrage.

Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

INDIANAPOLIS — Amid the announcement that the Indianapolis Colts had called off their Thursday practice at training camp due to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis., several players wanted to be heard.

The Colts' official statement, shared on Twitter, said the decision was made so the team could “use the day to discuss and work toward making a lasting social impact and inspiring change in our communities.”

pic.twitter.com/SZlH4eQDvb

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 27, 2020

After three days of unrest in Kenosha, Wis., the first official statement on the shooting was released on Thursday.

Here’s how Colts players were responding on Twitter, starting with cornerback Kenny Moore II, who praised quarterback Jacoby Brissett for being a leading voice in the meeting, which as a result prompted all Colts players and coaches to register to vote.

definitely thankful for this human being. his push for change empowers me to do so much more. honored to stand with Jacoby as well as this organization. proud to be a Colt. https://t.co/aPc6KeNAKC

— Kenny Moore II (@KennyKennyMoe3) August 27, 2020

All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard stood behind the strong words of another.

💯💯 https://t.co/VIdMJ04bZw

— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) August 27, 2020

Done with pointless tweeting, hashtags & all this talking. We focused on strategy & action🧱✊🏾 https://t.co/KhLLeiiicK

— Marcus Johnson (@Mojomdj) August 27, 2020

Dear lord, I pray you soften the hearts of those who do not understand the pain and sorrow our people are feeling. I pray that you touch the souls of those who cannot see the way that we see. Most of all I pray for all things to become pure again. Amen.

— Julian Blackmon (@JumpManJu32) August 27, 2020

We have to make a change ‼️ https://t.co/rUfNS6THTs

— Javon Patterson (@JPatterson__8) August 27, 2020

The Colts are expected to return to training camp on Friday at the team facility. A Saturday practice is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium.

After George Floyd was suffocated to death by Minneapolis police in May, Colts head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard were among the first NFL voices to go public with their outrage. Ballard vowed that the team would be proactive in making a positive change in the community. Reich gave the players two days off from meetings so they could express themselves and discuss how the social unrest impacted them.

As Reich reiterated then, it was more important to listen than play football. A few months later, unfortunately, that truth is still most evident.

(Phillip B. Wilson has covered the Indianapolis Colts for more than two decades and authored the 2013 book 100 Things Colts Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die. He’s on Twitter @pwilson24, on Facebook at @allcoltswithphilb and @100thingscoltsfans, and his email is phillipbwilson24@yahoo.com.)