NFL Stars Demand U.S. Action on Widespread Violence in Nigeria

DENVER, CO – December 19, 2025 – In a significant move that bridges the worlds of professional sports and international human rights, a coalition of over 60 current and former NFL players has directly petitioned President Trump and Congressional leaders to take decisive action against escalating religious and ethnic persecution in Nigeria. The letter, coordinated by the Christian sports media organization Sports Spectrum, features prominent signatories such as quarterbacks Brock Purdy, CJ Stroud, and Kirk Cousins, alongside legends like Coach Tony Dungy and Benjamin Watson, urging a new U.S. strategy to address what they describe as unchecked atrocities.

"As individuals who have been entrusted with a public platform through the National Football League, we feel a moral responsibility to speak for those whose cries have gone unanswered for far too long," the letter states. It represents a powerful, unified call from some of football's most recognizable figures, leveraging their influence to cast a spotlight on a brutal and often overlooked crisis.

A Crisis of Unchecked Violence

The players' letter pulls no punches, specifically identifying the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) as a primary driver of the violence. "Not enough attention has been given—by either the U.S. or Nigerian governments—to the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM), now the leading terrorist network committing mass atrocities and displacing entire communities," it reads. This assertion is strongly supported by independent human rights reporting.

Data from international observers paints a grim picture of the reality on the ground. According to a report by Open Doors, more than 80% of Christians killed for their faith globally in 2023 were in Nigeria. The Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA) has documented over 55,000 killings in the country over a four-year period, attributing a significant portion of the violence to the FEM, which it describes as an "ethno-religious terror group." These attacks are not random; they are often targeted assaults on predominantly Christian villages, resulting in mass killings, abductions, and the destruction of homes and farmland.

The humanitarian fallout has been catastrophic. Over 3.3 million Nigerians are internally displaced, fleeing violence that has been met with what the players' letter calls an "ineffective" response from the Nigerian Army and security services. The crisis is compounded by severe food insecurity affecting nearly 25 million people and rampant outbreaks of diseases like cholera. A horrific massacre during Christmas of 2023, which saw Fulani militias kill over 200 people in Plateau State, underscores the extreme brutality and the urgency behind the NFL players' plea.

Faith, Football, and Foreign Policy

The impetus for this collective action is rooted in the shared faith of its signatories. Sports Spectrum, which organized the effort, is a media entity dedicated to highlighting sports figures from a Christian perspective. Its president, Steve Stenstrom, framed the initiative as a matter of core American values. "Every human being deserves to worship freely without fear of being kidnapped, burned or murdered," Stenstrom said. "America can lead by aligning its foreign policy with its moral values and the fundamental rights upon which our country was founded."

This sentiment is echoed by the players themselves. For some, advocacy is becoming an increasingly visible part of their public identity. Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, a signatory to the letter, recently used the NFL's "My Cause My Cleats" campaign to raise awareness for persecuted Christians in Nigeria. Benjamin Watson, the former NFL tight end who now serves as Sports Spectrum's Editor-in-Chief, has also been a vocal advocate, demonstrating a deep, long-term commitment to the cause that extends beyond a single letter.

The letter's signatories span a wide range of teams and career stages, from rising stars like Purdy and Stroud to seasoned veterans and respected coaches, creating a broad front that is difficult for political leaders to ignore. Their collective action highlights a growing trend of athletes using their considerable platforms to engage in complex social and political issues far beyond the stadium.

A Demand for a New Approach

The letter goes beyond a general plea for help, outlining a clear, three-pronged policy proposal for the U.S. government. First, it calls for a concerted effort to dismantle the Fulani Ethnic Militia. While the U.S. has a significant security partnership with Nigeria, providing hundreds of millions in assistance, the players argue a new focus is required to target the specific group perpetrating much of the violence.

Second, the players demand an expansion of U.S. humanitarian assistance, specifically calling for food, shelter, trauma care, and protection for the millions displaced by the conflict. This call comes even as the U.S. provides nearly $1 billion annually in aid to Nigeria, suggesting the current support is insufficient or not adequately reaching those most in need.

Finally, the letter urges Washington to fill the role of Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom to help lead the government's strategy. While the position is currently held by Ambassador Rashad Hussain, the call is widely interpreted as a demand for the office to take a more prominent and forceful role regarding Nigeria. This frustration is amplified by the U.S. State Department's recent decision not to designate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) for religious freedom violations, a move that drew sharp criticism from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and other advocacy groups.

By addressing their letter directly to the White House and the highest levels of Congressional leadership, these athletes have made a direct appeal for accountability and action. "We ask you, as leaders of this nation, to use the full weight of your offices to defend the fundamental right to live and worship freely," the letter concludes. "The lives at stake cannot wait."