NEWS: Jaguars Tight End Marcedes Lewis Joins Athlete Ally as an Ambassador
Photo by Keith Allison. License available here.
Another NFL player voices his support for LGBT inclusion in sport today, as Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis joins Athlete Ally as an Ambassador. Lewis is the second member of the NFL family to join the organization in as many weeks, as former offensive lineman Ephraim Salaam recently came on board as well.
“I am extremely honored to promote inclusion of LGBT people in sports, because I believe it is essential that the NFL has a respectful culture. It’s good for winning games at the pro level and it is an important value for us to help instill in football players everywhere. When a football player, at any age, has an opportunity to lead, he should also do so with respect towards everyone,” said Lewis.
Lewis joins Athlete Ally on the heels of the announcement that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross introduced an anti-bullying law into the Florida State legislature The Safe Athletics Education and Training Act of 2014 is sponsored by state Representative Ritch Workman (R-Melbourne) and state Senator Oscar Braynon (D-Miami Gardens).
Playing for the UCLA Bruins from 2002-2005, Lewis was a standout, receiving All Pac-10 honors in his 2005 season, and taking home the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Lewis in 2006. He spent some time as a blocker in the 2008 season before matching the Jaguar’s single season touchdown receptions record in 2010, leading to his first Pro Bowl selection.
Athlete Ally is in the midst of its “Support Michael Sam” campaign, which has already garnered nearly 2,000 signatures. To become an advocate for change and help write the history book on LGBT inclusion in football, click here.