TAMPA, Fla. — Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy is used to being a leader on his team. Now he's is spearheading an effort he believes will have a significant impact off the field.
- Social Justice Initiative will partner with community groups, local law enforcement
- Group will focus on police relations, criminal justice reform, youth empowerment
- Team will contribute up to $1 million in matching player contributions
McCoy is one of the founding board members of the newly-formed Tampa Bay Buccaneers Social Justice Initiative. The organization is forming partnerships with community-based organizations and local law enforcement.
"We don't understand their side, they don't understand our side, but that's what we're here for — to get an understanding and to create change because we are the change," said McCoy.
McCoy and his fellow teammates announced the initiative Tuesday morning outside the Tampa Police Department's training facility on South 34th Street. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Team Owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz were also on hand for the announcement.
"Our players are role models, and I think they have a tremendous voice here in the community," said Kassewitz. "So for them to come here and show their passion and commitment for a social justice cause, it will really go a long way."
The new initiative will focus on issues ranging from police relations, criminal justice reform, racial equality and youth empowerment and mentoring. Those were the issues players told team leaders and police they felt strongly about in year-long meetings before the initiative was launched.
"They were not sensitive about any of our questions, and we were not afraid to ask the hard questions," said McCoy. "That's the only way to create change is if you can be honest with each other."
The team has pledged to contribute up to $1 million in matching player contributions to organizations who partner with the initiative.