JULIAN Edelman has offered to take fellow NFL star DeSean Jackson to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC.
The unusual proposal was made after Jackson shared anti-Semitic posts on social media.
Here is more on what Edelman, the star New England Patriots wide receiver, has to say.
Who is Julian Edelman?
The 34-year-old Edelman is a sure-handed receiver who has played his entire career for the Patriots.
He has helped the Pats win three Super Bowl titles and last year was the MVP of Super Bowl LIII, a 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
The California native caught 10 passes for 141 yards in the title game.
Edelman had a career-high 105 receptions during the 2013 season, and caught an even 100 passes in 2019.
He has 599 receptions during his 10-year career.
Edelman was taken by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
He co-wrote a memoir titled Relentless that was published in 2018.
The pro athlete has a young daughter, Lily Rose, with Swedish model Ella Rose.
What did DeSean Jackson post on social media?
Jackson posted a screenshot of a quote widely attributed to Adolf Hitler, saying in part: “Jews will blackmail America.”
In another post the Eagles wide receiver showed support for Louis Farrakhan, the Nation of Islam leader who is known for anti-Semitic rhetoric.
The quote shared by Jackson supposedly said by Hitler has turned out to be fake and has been debunked.
The backlash has been severe, and Jackson was admonished by the NFL and the Eagles.
Jackson would apologize for sharing the hateful posts.
Former NBA player Stephen Jackson came to his defense.
What did Julian Edelman say about Jackson’s anti-Semitic posts?
Edelman spoke out about Jackson’s outburst in a video posted on Instagram on Thursday.
“I’ve been getting hit up by everyone asking me about this DeSean Jackson post, and I wanted to take some time before I responded because it’s a complicated issue, and I wanted to be thoughtful,” Edelman says.
“I wrote down some of my thinking.
“I’ve seen DeSean play in his career, make outstanding football plays. We’ve communicated over social media.
I’ve got nothing but respect for his game. I know he said some ugly things, but I do see an opportunity to have a conversation.”
Edelman later makes a proposal to Jackson during the video.
“We need to listen, we need to learn, we need to act,” says Edelman.
“We need to have those uncomfortable conversations, if we’re gonna have real change.
“So to that end, DeSean, let’s do a deal. How ’bout we go to DC and I take you to the Holocaust Museum, and then you take me to the Museum of African-American History and Culture.
“Afterward, we grab some burgers, and we have those uncomfortable conversations.”
Former teammate Tom Brady applauded the post, writing: “Love u Jules.”
Is Julian Edelman Jewish?
Edelman is the first Jewish player in the NFL to be named MVP of the Super Bowl.
He spoke at length about his beliefs in the Instagram video.
“For me it’s not just about religion, it’s about community and culture as well,” he said.
“I’m unusual, because I didn’t identify as Jewish until later in my life.
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“Whenever I encountered hatred, it never really felt like it was aimed at me.
“It was only after I was part of this community that I learned how destructive hate is.
“Anti-Semitism is one of the oldest forms of hatred. It’s rooted in ignorance and fear.”