San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead has a message for critics who would rather athletes stick to their respective sports than use their platform to speak their minds and support important causes. If you don't want to hear him speak up about racism and social issues, then how about you don't bother watching him play football on Sundays, either.
Armstead spoke with Sactown Magazine and is featured on the cover of its July/August issue. The publication posted the following quote from Armstead via Instagram (h/t to Alex Didion of NBC Sports Bay Area).
"If you don't want me speaking out against racism and social issues and social injustices, then don't watch me play on Sundays. Can't have a piece of me and not all of me."
Armstead discusses race, the NFL, and his hometown of Sacramento, California, in the interview.
"I'm a Black man first, before I was ever in the NFL or ever had this platform," Armstead is quoted in the magazine (via 49ers.com). "I dealt with these issues growing up before any of this. For me personally, my lane is speaking out, letting my voice be heard."
Armstead, who was scheduled to hit free agency, signed a five-year deal in March to remain with San Francisco. He registered 54 regular-season tackles, two passes defensed, and two forced fumbles to go along with a career-high and team-leading 10 sacks in 2019.
Arik Armstead just misses NFL Top 100 Players of 2020, ranking No. 104
By David Bonilla
Jul 29, 2020
So close.
San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead had a career-high and team-leading 10 sacks last season and added two more in the playoffs. The team rewarded him with a five-year deal worth up to $85 million.
NFL Network is counting down the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020. In doing so, it revealed some of the names who just missed this year's version of the annual ranking.
Armstead came in at No. 104 in voting.
The NFL Top 100 Players list is voted on by players and is based on performance during the previous year and predicted performance during the upcoming season. The list is in its 10th season on NFL Network.
The 49ers
NFL to require fans wear masks at games -- if there are fans at games
By David Bonilla
Jul 22, 2020
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy announced today that the league would require fans in attendance this season to wear face coverings to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Of course, that is if there are any fans in attendance.
For those wondering, yes, it is league-wide: fans at NFL games this season will be required to wear face coverings pic.twitter.com/D139KGKQ4r— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) July 22,
George Kittle excited to 'bury people' on the football field with or without fans in stadiums
By David Bonilla
Jul 31, 2020
George Kittle was a guest on the Pardon My Take podcast and discussed several topics during the 25-minute interview. The San Francisco 49ers tight end talked about Super Bowl LIV, his ranking in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020, the genius of his head coach, Kyle Shanahan, his Joker tattoo, and, finally, potentially playing games this season without fans in the stands.
Kittle knows things will be different this season, with the NFL trying to navigate its way through a pandemic. COVID-19 threatens to impact league revenues, future salary caps, and players' and coaches' health. Many NFL stadiums may prohibit fans from attending in accordance with local regulations.
"I think it will be a challenge for everybody," Kittle said.
With or without fans, Kittle
