In a recent show of support for Palestinians and protest against the U.S.-Israel genocide in Gaza, Azeez Al-Shaair, pro football player for the NFL Houston Texans, wore cleats in a game with the words “Free” with the colors of the Palestinian flag on one side. On the other side, there were facts like  “AT LEAST 41,788 Palestinians killed,” “10,000+ estimated to be under the rubble,” and “96,794 wounded”—pointing to the horrific and ongoing toll of the U.S.-backed Israeli genocide. 

Al-Shaair is a member of the Athletes for Ceasefire movement. He said that he “uses his voice to advocate for the voiceless.” He is among the more than 300 athletes worldwide who have signed a powerful statement calling out Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The effort has been led by John Carlos, who raised a clenched fist in a Black Power salute at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics in a defiant protest against the systematic oppression of Black people in the U.S.

The statement reads:

We call for HUMANITY, Empathy and an Immediate Ceasefire.

In the wake of an unfolding genocide in Gaza, as described by countless legal scholars, human rights experts and international organizations across the world. We, as athletes, recognize our moral responsibility to utilize our platform for a higher purpose: to save human lives and to raise awareness about this ongoing tragedy.

WE CALL ON PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN TO CALL FOR AN IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE.

And to redirect those resources to address pressing domestic needs such as education, healthcare, and helping the unhoused.

We are unable to turn a blind eye to the devastation being inflicted on civilians, especially children, in the Gaza Strip, through bombing campaigns funded in part by the U.S.

OUR DECISION TO VOICE OUR CONCERN STEMS FROM A COMMITMENT TO JOIN ALL THOSE SPEAKING UP FOR LIFE AND DIGNITY.

We acknowledge the right of the Palestinian people to live in peace and security. As professional athletes, we underscore our shared humanity, and advocate for a path that respects all human life, regardless of religion or ethnic background. In signing this letter, we continue a long legacy of athletes speaking up for the human rights of all people, such as Olympians John Carlos and Tommie Smith who raised their fists at the 1968 games in part to demand that apartheid South Africa and Rhodesia be held to account. We stand in the proud tradition of "The Greatest" Muhammad Ali who stood for Palestinian freedom throughout his life both in word and deed.

WE STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF THESE GIANTS IN OUR EFFORTS TO KEEP THIS TRADITION OF ATHLETE OF CONSCIENCE ALIVE.

Aside from Carlos and Shaair, those who have signed that statement include Kenny Stills (NFL, retired), Etan Thomas (NBA, retired), Michael Bennett (NFL, retired), Abdi Abdirahman (track and field, five-time Olympian), Abdihamid Nur (USA track and field); Krissy Gear (track and field, HOKA NAZ Elite), Eric Kendricks (NFL), Donté Stallworth (NFL, retired), Ryan Grant (NFL, retired), Natasha Cloud (WNBA), Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (NBA, retired), Muhumed Ahmed (Olympic silver medalist, track and field), Nikki Hiltz (track and field), Marielle Hall (Olympic track and field), Layshia Clarendon (WNBA), Darrell Hill (USA Olympic track and field).

There is great need for voices of conscience like this as part of the struggle to put an end to Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people.