Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers has publicly condemned the racist remarks directed at him following the team’s 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on October 8, 2023. In a post shared on social media platform X, Rodgers highlighted the troubling messages he received, which included racial slurs and inflammatory comments.
The backlash came after Rodgers was significantly involved in two pivotal plays that contributed to the Eagles’ victory. These included a 79-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith in the third quarter and a decisive 45-yard completion to A.J. Brown in the fourth quarter. Following the game, Rodgers accepted full responsibility for the outcome, stating, “I put it on me.” He also expressed his commitment to improving his performance, emphasizing his determination to contribute positively to the team.
In his remarks on X, he stated, “Racism is real.” He continued, “Racism is real 😂😂 keep football, football. That’s not even the worst I’ve seen. Stay solid or stay silent, ‘F A N S’ Fake Applause, No Support Or Faithful And Never Switching. Pick a side and stay on it!” This statement underscores the ongoing issue of racism in sports and the impact it has on players.
Rodgers, who joined the Vikings on a two-year, $15 million contract in March 2024 after spending the previous season with the Eagles, made history earlier in the season. He became the first player in NFL history to score two defensive touchdowns and force two fumbles in a single game, all achieved in the first half of the Vikings’ 48-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Vikings are set to face the Los Angeles Chargers on the upcoming Thursday night, October 12, 2023. As the team prepares for this matchup, Rodgers remains focused on his performance while navigating the challenges posed by external criticism and unrelenting racism within the sport.
