Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes partners with LeBron James for ‘More Than a Vote’ effort
The new king of the NFL has a new partner in King James.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is joining Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James’ cause to encourage people to vote, the two former MVP winners announced Tuesday night.
James unveiled the More Than a Vote non-profit organization, which defines its mission as a fight against voter suppression. He later announced Mahomes as a participant.
“And ... everyone welcome this game changer (on and off the field) Patrick Mahomes to the family,” James posted on social media. “Means a lot my Brother to have your voice in this with us.”
Per its website, More Than a Vote consists of Black athletes and artists striving to combat “systemic, racist voter suppression by education, energizing and protecting our community in 2020.”
The site provides a link for people to check their voter registration status.
“Change isn’t made by watching from the sidelines,” Mahomes replied to James’ tweet, echoing the organization’s line. “Let’s do this.”
Mahomes has been outspoken about the Black Live Matters movement and racial injustices in recent weeks after George Floyd’s death in police custody last month. He initially wrote messages on his social media accounts before joining several NFL stars in a powerful video aimed at the league. Staring into the camera, Mahomes states, “Black Lives Matter.”
“Enough is enough,” Mahomes told reporters in a call, explaining the reason for choosing to speak out. “We gotta do something about this. I’m blessed to have this platform. Why not use it?”
Earlier this month, Mahomes and teammate Tyrann Mathieu said they are forming a plan to increase voter registration. Mathieu said they hope to make voting “a trendy thing again.” Mahomes indicated they have already talked with Chiefs CEO and chairman Clark Hunt and team president Mark Donovan about the project, and both offered their support.
To that end, linking with More Than a Vote represents a start.
“We’re going to try to find the best way to give money or support or whatever it is to get as many people to register to vote so they can go in and affect change,” Mahomes said.
This story was originally published June 23, 2020 at 9:46 AM with the headline "Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes partners with LeBron James for ‘More Than a Vote’ effort."