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People Applauded White Eagles Player Chris Long For Supporting Black Teammate Malcolm Jenkins's National Anthem Protest

"It's a good time for people that look like me to be here for people that are fighting for equality."

Earlier this week, the Seattle Seahawks' woke defensive end Michael Bennett explained why a white player protesting the national anthem "would change the whole conversation."

Well, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long might have taken notice. That's because the 32-year-old, who is white, supported the national anthem protest of his Black teammate, safety Malcolm Jenkins, before the Eagles scored a preseason home win over the Buffalo Bills last night.

Both Long and Jenkins stood for the anthem, and Long had his right hand over his heart while the song played. But he eventually wrapped his left arm over Jenkins's shoulder as the safety raised a closed fist as a protest to racial injustice.

Afterward, Long explained his gesture to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“I think it’s a good time for people that look like me to be here for people that are fighting for equality,” Long told the newspaper after the game.

Remember, this is the same Long, who skipped the New England Patriots' visit to President Trump's White House earlier this year. And adding to Long's woke factor is that he calls Charlottesville, Virginia home — the same place that saw white supremacists' terror over the weekend.

"It’s been a hard week for everybody,” Long continued. “I think it’s not just a hard week for someone being from Charlottesville. It’s a tough week for America. I’ve heard a lot of people say, ‘You need white athletes to get involved in the anthem protest.’ I’ve said before that I’ll never kneel for an anthem because the flag means something different to everybody in this country, but I support my peers.”

And everyone from members of the media to Bennett and former NFL players and fans shouted out their love and respect for Long supporting his teammate's protest.

  • Here's Chris Long Explaining why he decided to become the first white NFL player to support a national anthem protest

    We salute you, Chris.

  • And Michael Bennett gladly reposted a tweet of someone saying that he was the one to urge a white player like Long to get involved

    Point taken.

  • Former NFL players were equally moved by Long's support of Jenkins

    The respect is real.

  • Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman Applauded Long For Stepping Up Like This On ESPN's 'First Take'

    Yes, the Super Bowl champion and veteran defensive end deserves his props.

  • Over on FS1's 'Undisputed,' Shannon Sharpe Says He Was 'Honestly, sincerely touched' by Long

    "Man, when I saw that last night, I was honestly, sincerely touched because for a white guy to step outside of his comfort zone [and say] 'You know what, bruh? We are brothers ...'" Sharpe said.

    He added: "Chris Long put his arm around Malcolm Jenkins, as Malcolm Jenkins raised his fist, and said, 'I'm rallying for my brother."

  • And the outpouring of love, respect and support from fans is evident

    Major salute to Chris Long. Hopefully other white players will see this and support their teammates' protests as well.

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