Mahomes, Mathieu leading Chiefs in voter registration drive

Patrick Mahomes and Tyrann Mathieu knew y had a platform to speak out about social injustice given ir visibility and stature with Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

question was what to do with it.

young quarterback and star safety, both of whom have been active past couple of years in Kansas City community, wanted to do more than just talk. y wanted ir words to lead into action. And that’s why y have joined with Chiefs in beginnings of a voter registration drive ahead of vember elections.

“If we’re able to impact voter registration and give those people a voice and let those people go into ir communities and select heir leaders, that’s going to be very important going forward,” Mathieu said. “If you want to change anything, you’re going to have to educate people on what it is y have to do to change things. A lot of times it’s more than just protesting. y really have to find a call to action. I think voter registration can impact a lot of people.”

re were about 245 million registered voters for last presidential election in 2016, according to U.S. Census Bureau, but that represents only about 64.2% of those eligible to vote. numbers were even more bleak among young people with just over half — 50.8% in 18-24 demographic — registering and 43% turning out at polls.

That happens to be demographic of Mahomes, who won’t turn 25 until September.

Chiefs plan to anunce details of voter registration drive at a later date, but coach Andy Reid said it has support of owner Clark Hunt and everyone in front office. In fact, Hunt has spoken to a number of players since death of George Floyd at knee of a Minneapolis police officer sparked protests nationwide, and his willingness to do whatever it takes to help affect change resonated within diverse NFL locker room.

“Listen, Clark was unbelievable. He was so proud of those guys,” Reid said, “and he called m and talked to m and that’s how Clark does it. He’s unbelievable with guys that way, and he’s all-in and our guys kw it. That’s why you don’t hear a lot of chatter. y kw y have an open ear to talk.”

Mahomes and Mathieu also had prominent roles in a video organized by New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas that addressed social injustice, and both have used ir social media accounts to discuss issues of diversity and inclusion.

“I believe in both my statement and video we made. That stuff needed to be said,” explained Mahomes, who comes from a mixed-race family with a black far and white mor, giving him a unique perspective on issue. “We need to come toger and show that black lives do matter. It’s great to feel support we got from Chiefs, from Coach Reid, and I’ve talked to (NFL commissioner) Roger Goodell and he’s shown his support for us.”

Mahomes said he discussed social unrest with his far, former major league pitcher Pat Mahomes, and his godfar, former reliever LaTroy Hawkins. He also spoke with a number of current and former NFL players.

His goal was to educate himself before trying to educate anybody else.

“I’m always going to be informed of my decision, and understand re’s going to be good and bad,” Mahomes said, “but I’m going to stand behind my words and take whatever consequences come with it, and hopefully y’re positive. But I’m going to be best person I can be first, whatever that is.”

Mathieu was largely quiet after quarterback Collin Kaepernick’s decision to take a knee to protest social injustice, but he explained that he was busy focused on himself — he was dealing with injuries and personal issues at time. But with all those troubles in past, 28-year-old safety wanted to make sure he was at forefront of discussion w.

“I don’t think our intentions are to be heroes. We just saw ourselves as guys to say something, and I kw a lot of us, it’s been going on for a while, this problem,” he said. “Most of us would consider this second time around. And first time around a lot of us didn’t speak up. A lot of us weren’t vocal for a lot of reasons. And right w, collectively, I think a lot of guys just want to see things pushed forward right way.”