Ex-Bears Tight End Martellus Bennett Pens Letter to ‘Black Boy’ After Police Shootings

During a hurtful week for African-Americans in the United States, former Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett had an uplifting message for the youth.

“The quest for freedom continues,” Bennett wrote to “Black Boy” on Instagram Wednesday night, when America was still reeling from the deaths of two black men at the hands of police in Louisiana and Minnesota.
Bennett used several sports references to encourage young black men to beat the odds, and continue the fight African-Americans have been forced to fight for years.

“We must pick up the pace. The low hanging fruit is what the world prefers you to reach for, we must climb the tree. The game of life is the one game, they don't think we can win, this must be the greatest game ever played. Millions have marched, millions have fought, millions have died. Millions continue to run, for freedom. Run Black Boy Run! For you can change the world for us all.”

Bennett’s message received thousands of likes and positive comments.

“Awesome words said” and “beautifully said” were common responses.

Bennett has never been shy to speak his mind. But the current New England Patriot who has also played for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants in addition to the Bears has usually been a playful, sometimes silly, character in the NFL.

But not this time. Here we saw a side of Martellus Bennett not many knew was in him.

And most are pleasantly surprised.