“Every day, a white quarterback throws the ball to a black receiver…” He wants others to join in, starting with those at the top. And like any seasoned activist, he’s not content with his own evolution. Listen to Bennett speak for a few unfiltered minutes and it’s clear that he is an activist disguised as a professional football player. It explains why he started to sit during the national anthem at games, following the example of former San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick. It’s not just his reason for being here it sounds like his modus operandi for living. The phrase lingers long after we’ve spoken. “I believe you need to be uncomfortable to become comfortable with different people,” he says. He’s here to learn about the Sioux and their struggle as much as to run drills, offer nutrition tips and inspire the kids. “It’s the connection of oppressed people around the world, of different colors, different cultures and not just thinking what you’re going through is the most important thing.” But there’s more to it: “I believe in the connection of people,” Bennett says. His Bennett Foundation holds free sports camps and programs for underprivileged families in locations he’s more familiar with: Texas, where he grew up Washington state, where he plays and Hawaii, where he resides in the offseason.įor starters, his brother-in-law, Tristan Fire Cloud, grew up here. He just arrived after driving more than 20 hours and 1,300 miles from Seattle to hold a health and fitness camp here. But he isn’t comfortable or familiar with the culture or the land or the traditions. Outside, the magnificent hues of green hills and powder blue skies mask the problems embedded in this community along the Missouri River.īennett offers an appreciative smile.
The thump, thump, thump of the drums and throaty chants vibrate through the gym. But Bennett switches off the jokes once members of the Lower Brule Sioux tribe officially welcome him by wrapping him in a sun quilt and performing a ceremonial song. “The black Michael Jackson or the white Michael Jackson?”Ī few giggles erupt from the kids. The DJ, unable to meet his request, suggests Michael Jackson as an alternative.
“You said you could play any song I wanted.” “Do you have the Isley Brothers?” Bennett asks. Inside, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett is trying to stump a DJ hired for the event. Which is why this June day is a little unusual.Īt the community center off Crazy Horse Avenue, a crowd has gathered to catch a glimpse of a 6-foot-4, 270-pound visitor. O n the Lower Brule Sioux Reservation, smack dab in the middle of South Dakota, celebrity sightings are as rare as traffic jams. Seahawks’ Michael Bennett is an Activist disguised as a Football Player
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