The Minnesota Vikings paid tribute to George Floyd on Sunday before their game against the Greenbay Packers. Floyd’s family was in the stands during the game and tribute.
The game was the Vikings’ first pandemic-safe game with the U.S. Bank Stadium being almost empty the whole time.
The Vikings players stood shoulder-to-shoulder at the goal line, locking arms during the preshow on the goal line while “Lift Every Voice and Sing” played in the background.
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The blowing of the Gjallarhorn is a signature move made by the Vikings before every game to bring forth good luck. The horn was silent on Sunday and Floyd’s family stood around it, according to The Star Tribune.
“We’re appreciative they’re willing to come here and be part of this ceremony, and we know George Floyd has been a really big part of starting a lot of the focus on social justice in our world,” Andrew Miller, the Vikings’ chief operating officer said.
“It’s absolute tragic and senseless he was killed, and we want our community to change in a positive manner after such a horrific act.”
Floyd’s family members could be seen on the Jumbotron, TMZ reported.
The Vikings’ competitors, the Packers, had its players and coaches remain in their locker rooms during the pregame ceremony and national anthem.
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“The Green Bay Packers respect the national anthem and United States flag and all that they represent, including the right to express ourselves,” Packers team president and CEO Mark Murphy said in a statement.
“We decided as a team to remain in the locker room during the playing of the national anthem and ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ so as to not distract from our message that we stand united for social justice and racial inequality.”
“This is part of our continued call on our leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue that results in change. We feel it is important for all of us to participate in these difficult conversations with humility and be open to different perspectives,” he continued.
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