While the NFL athletes continue to focus on social justice by wearing the names of anyone shot by police who happens to be black on their helmets, one player chose a much different path.
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tyler Eifert chose to go against the grain, and instead wore the name of retired officer David Dorn, who was brutally killed by looters, after trying to protect a local business in St. Louis.
Eifert said on Twitter that it was an ‘honor’ to wear the name of David Dorn on his helmet.
Fox News has more on Eifert honoring officer David Dorn:
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tyler Eifert honored fallen police officer David Dorn with a decal on the back of his helmet during the first game of the NFL season against the Indianapolis Colts.
Eifert showed off his helmet after the Jaguars picked up the upset victory.
“Great win to start the season. Love being a part of this new team and community! It was honor wearing David Dorns name on my helmet today!”
The David Dorn decal was placed underneath his No. 88 on the back of his helmet. An American flag was placed on the left side and the NFL shield on the right.
Eifert had one catch for eight yards in the 27-20 win.
The Daily Mail with more:
While much of the NFL honored the black victims of police violence on Sunday, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tyler Eifert paid tribute to retired St. Louis police officer David Dorn, a 77-year-old African-American man who was shot and killed by a suspected looter during a night of protests in June.
Eifert, a 30-year-old in his first season with the Jags, played in Sunday's win over Indianapolis with Dorn's name appearing on the back of his helmet.
'Great win to start the season,' Eifert wrote on Twitter alongside a picture of his David Dorn decal. 'Love being a part of this new team and community! It was honor wearing David Dorns (sic) name on my helmet today!'
The NFL previously announced that players would be allowed to honor victims of systemic racism and police violence with helmet decals this season following the killing of African-American man George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25.
Other NFL players honored black victims of police violence, such as Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Stephon Clark.
Dorn's body was discovered on a St. Louis sidewalk on June 2 at around 2:30am after he reportedly responded to a burglar alarm at his friend's pawn shop. Video of the burglary released by police showed seven suspects involved in the break-in, which occurred amid nationwide protests in the wake of Floyd's killing on May 25.
Stephan Cannon, 24, has since been arrested for first-degree murder in the case, as well as robbery and felony possession of a firearm.
Eifert, a former Pro Bowl selection with Cincinnati who has battled injuries in recent years, finished Sunday's game with one reception for eight yards in a 27-20 win over the Colts.
Sports radio host Tony Bruno responded to Eifert's decal on Twitter, calling him the 'only true hero in the NFL.'
'Much respect for the courageous stance,' Bruno added.
It is clear that Tyler put some thought into his decision on who to honor, unlike most other players.
Many players adorned their helmets with the names of convicted criminals, like alleged rapist Jacob Blake.
In response, fans on Twitter are praising Eifert and even planning on buying his jersey as a show of gratitude and respect for his actions.
Sadly, until the NFL realizes what a mistake they've made by backing the vioilent group, Black Lives Mater, fans will continue to tune out.
At least we can take solace in knowing some players still stand for what is right.
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