Kamala Harris and Tim Walz launched Athletes for Harris on Saturday with new endorsements from 15 Pro Football Hall of Famers.
The new campaign effort aims to mobilize athletes and coaches across the country ahead of the 2024 presidential election in November.
Mel Blount, Emmitt Smith, Kellen Winslow, Andre Tippett, Marv Levy, Alan Page, Drew Pearson, Kenny Houston, Jan Stenerud, Calvin Johnson, Robert Brazile, Willie Roaf, Mike Haynes, Elvin Bethea and Ron Mix are among those who support the Harris -Ticket to the Walz, plus the 50 HBCU football legends who supported Harris last week.
Team Harris-Walz seeks to leverage sports events and games to expand its support among voters, with the help of campaign co-chairs who are working to recruit other athletes for the campaign as well. These co-characters include Thomas Booker, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Billie Jean King, Steve Kerr, Ali Krieger, Candace Parker, Doc Rivers, Dawn Staley, Ali Truwit, and Chris Paul.
“I am so happy to be a part of Athletes for Harris,” Johnson wrote in a statement. “I have known Vice President Harris for more than 25 years and you can count on her to deliver what she says she will do. She will be a president for all people, regardless of race, language, sexual orientation or party line. She showed all of us – and showed the world – that she was ready to be president, how smart she is and her plan for the country in that debate.”
He continued: “We are not going backwards; we are moving forward. To all the athletes out there, don't be afraid to use your platforms – we need all of you to get involved. Share with your friends that Vice President Harris has an agenda that will move the country forward. The Magic Man is on board.”