“Heartbroken, Devastating”: Tyre Nichols Hapless Tragedy Makes Russell Wilson, NFL Fans Grieve in Pain

The NFL world has always stood with those suffering injustices. Fans are looking forward to the end of the postseason and some big games this weekend. But they are also sensitive about everything happening around them and remind the world that the NFL community is more than just about football. The Tyre Nichols hapless tragedy has made fans and players come together to raise their voice. And leading the way is QB Russell Wilson.

Nichols, a 29-year-old from Memphis, suffered injuries in an encounter with the police on January 7. He died three days later.

Russell Wilson and the NFL world grieve in pain

The NFL issued a statement late Friday about the tragic death of Tyre Nichols. The organization sent their condolences to the community and reiterated their commitment to combat injustice. Here is the full NFL statement as shared on Instagram. 

And the organization wasn’t alone. The Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson tweeted to mourn the tragic death of Nichols.

Fans also joined in to mourn with the community. They prayed for peace to Nichols’ soul but also reminded the NFL about letting players take a stand against injustice. Here are some reactions from the fans. 

“RIP and black lives matter,” a fan wrote in Instagram comments.

“RIP Tyre. Another life lost early,” another fan wrote.

“We need this attitude when players kneel for injustice,” one fan reminded the NFL.

“Rest in peace. What a damn shame,” another fan said.

“May his soul rest in peace,” another fan wrote.

According to the Nichols family, the 29-year-old African American was an avid photographer and went out on January 7 to take some photos. Several police officers stopped and pinned him to the ground. The officers stated that they stopped him for reckless driving. But the Memphis police chief has said that they are yet to confirm why they stopped Nichols, according to NY Times.

Nichols fled the scene but was caught and beaten. He died in the hospital three days later. The department has fired five police officers who were involved in the tragedy. They will face second-degree murder charges. This isn’t the first time that the NFL has taken a stance in such a case.

The George Floyd tragedy 

Fans and players came together during the tragic times of George Floyd’s death in May 2020. Police officers kneeled on Floyd in Minneapolis, killing him in the process. His final words, “I can’t breathe”, became a cry for justice. And the NFL community stood with the citizens in that dark hour.

Read More: Former All-Star Joins LeBron James, Chris Paul and the NBA World in Solidarity After Mourning Heart-wrenching Tyre Nichols Case: “I’m Sending Love to His Family”

African American athletes are the backbone of the league. As the community grieves, fans and players stand shoulder-to-shoulder against injustice.

Watch this story: Lamar Jackson reveals the reason behind why he deleted his controversial tweet.