Ja’Whaun Bentley said he was starting to feel worn down. The New England Patriots linebacker had done a lot of hard work this offseason to help create awareness on racial injustice following the death of George Floyd which inspired international protests. But retired tight end Ben Watson’s “Boston Pray” event helped Bentley recharge last week.
Watson led the event for one hour at the Boston Common with worship and scripture. Bentley explained why he felt it was important for him to attend.
“Obviously, through the times that we’re experiencing right now dealing with trying to address police brutality as well as systemic racism that’s going on, a lot of people are working hard, whether it’s donating, protesting, a lot of different ways they want to make an impact,” Bentley said on a videoconference call on Wednesday. “I felt like Ben’s event was the perfect way to kind of rejuvenate yourself as well as continue to use your platform to make an impact to create awareness. So, a lot of times, you begin to kind of wear down with the constant talk and the constant creating awareness, and you need to kind of regroup and try to fill your tank up, so to speak, in a way to continue to create awareness. I thought that was a great opportunity to do so.”
Bentley and Watson were one of many Patriots who have been outspoken about promoting change since the death of Floyd. Devin and Jason McCourty have been active in the discussion. Patriots owner Robert Kraft also donated $1 million to local charities which will promote social justice.
“I would say only time will tell whether or not everything we’re doing will have a huge effect,” Bentley said. “But me personally, seeing everybody there just allows you to see how much everybody wants to be a part of change, be a part of history and address the many moments that we’ve been exposed to within the past few weeks, as well as trying to address things that have been going on for hundreds of years. So, that was an opportunity for a lot of people to express themselves and also create awareness.”
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