Countless NFL players have spoken out against racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd's recent death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, and on Thursday, with Floyd's family gathering less than a half-mile from U.S. Bank Stadium for a memorial service, at least a dozen players -- Minnesota Vikings, to be specific -- were among those in attendance.
As documented in an NFL.com wire report, the Vikings canceled team meetings and closed their business offices at noon on Thursday in observance of the service, which was held at North Central University's Frank J. Lindquist Sanctuary. Thanks to Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph and running back Alexander Mattison, who organized a team contingent to attend, the following players were also there to pay respects to Floyd: Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen, Mike Hughes, Garrett Bradbury, Tajae Sharpe, Chad Beebe, Aviante Collins, Tyler Conklin, Dakota Dozier, Cameron Smith and Jake Browning.
"I think it was something that we collectively as a group understood, especially having the dynamic of our locker room, that we wanted to show up," Mattison told the Vikings' official website. "We're a team that people in this community look up to and look at in Minnesota, especially in Minneapolis ... We're fortunate to play there, so we wanted to make a statement that we're behind this, and also show our love and support."
The Vikings weren't the only celebrities there to offer support to the Floyd family, with entertainers and politicians also coming together for the event. Among the big names on hand Thursday: Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie and actor/artists T.I., Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson and Kevin Hart.
"That was definitely one powerful atmosphere," Mattison said. "It was like no other that I've felt in my life, the power that I felt in that room. His family was able to give their testimony for how great of a man he was, and it's sad to see how a life was taken."