Every week of the NFL Season I’ve picked out several players, teams, and moments that were highlighted on football Thursday, Sunday, or Monday. This week will be a little different. The world was shaken by tragedy due to the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in New Point, Connecticut. During the shooting there were 18 lives lost as well as 26 total people being injured in the shooting. In the midst of tragedy the NFL and other professional sports provided an outlet for those who were affected by the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. The New York Giants wore S.H.E.S on their helmets, and there were players such as J.J. Watt, Chris Johnson, and Victor Cruz made personal tributes to the children who were victimized.
Professional athletes get perceived as spoiled and ungrateful human beings, but during times similar to this one they always exemplify honorary behavior. Some may think it is another way to self-promote for them, but I think it is a gesture that should greatly be appreciated. We saw how the sports world reacted during 9/11, the Trayvon Martin shooting, and now the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Though, they may have millions of dollars and star power, at the end of the day they are ordinary people. Recognizing a tragic moment has no price or dollar sign on who and how it could affect them. I would like to commend the NFL, and we learned that in week 15 that football is just a game, but it can be an outlet to some that are dealing with tragedy in any occurrence.
