Legendary Athletes Endorse Harris-Walz Ticket, Highlighting HBCU Connections

In a significant show of support, more than 50 former football players and coaches, including several Pro Football Hall of Famers and Super Bowl MVPs, have announced their endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz for the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This diverse group, representing 25 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), underscores the growing momentum behind the Harris-Walz ticket and its strong ties to the HBCU community.

Powerhouse Endorsement Signals Broad Appeal

Trailblazers and Champions Unite Behind Harris-Walz

The endorsement letter, obtained exclusively by CBS News, is signed by a veritable who's who of football legends, including Art Shell, the NFL's first Black coach, Leslie Frasier, former Minnesota Vikings coach, James "Shack" Harris, the NFL's first Black full-time starting quarterback, Greg Coleman, the NFL's first Black punter, and former Super Bowl MVP and Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Richard Dent, who previously played for Tennessee State University. This impressive lineup of athletes and coaches, many of whom have broken racial barriers in their respective fields, underscores the deep respect and trust they have placed in the Harris-Walz ticket.

Diverse Backgrounds, Shared Vision

The group of endorsers represents a diverse array of backgrounds, hailing from 25 different HBCUs and including 10 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees, two Super Bowl champions and MVPs, as well as former No. 1 overall picks. This broad representation speaks to the widespread appeal of the Harris-Walz ticket, which has resonated with a cross-section of the Black community, including both athletes and coaches.

Championing Justice and Equality

In their letter, the athletes and coaches expressed their confidence in Vice President Harris' "integrity, values and demonstrated commitment to justice and equality of opportunity," stating that they believe she will "serve the best interests of all Americans" as President. This endorsement highlights the Harris-Walz ticket's focus on issues of social justice and equal opportunity, which have long been priorities for the HBCU community and its influential alumni.

Building on Existing Momentum

The announcement of this endorsement comes on National Black Voter Day, an initiative aimed at increasing voter registration and engagement among Black Americans. This strategic timing underscores the importance of the Black electorate in the upcoming presidential election, and the Harris-Walz campaign's efforts to mobilize this crucial demographic.

Tapping into HBCU Connections

Vice President Harris, an alumna of Howard University, would become the first HBCU graduate to serve as President if elected. The Harris-Walz campaign has actively highlighted this connection, emphasizing the administration's record investments in HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions. This endorsement from HBCU-affiliated athletes and coaches further strengthens the campaign's ties to the HBCU community and its potential to energize this important voting bloc.

Addressing Challenges and Opportunities

The endorsement also follows Harris' recent appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference, where she addressed the complex dynamics within the Black electorate, acknowledging the need to earn the support of Black men, a demographic that has shown some support for former President Donald Trump. This endorsement from a diverse group of respected Black leaders in sports could help the Harris-Walz ticket navigate these nuances and further solidify their standing among Black voters.

Joining a Growing List of Supporters

The athletes and coaches joining the Harris-Walz ticket add to a growing list of high-profile endorsements, including NBA all-star Steph Curry and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. This broad coalition of support, spanning the worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics, underscores the campaign's ability to unite diverse constituencies behind its vision for the country.