Congressional Football Game Participants Hold Roundtable Discussion on Race, Policing and Coming Together

Congressional football game participants hold roundtable discussion on race, policing and coming together


WASHINGTON (September 16, 2020) – On heels of the kick-off of 2020 NFL season, the Congressional Football Game (CFG) – the charity game that brings together members of Congress, former NFL players, and U.S. Capitol Police to raise funds for local Washington, D.C. organizations – today released a virtual roundtable discussion on race, policing and coming together. The roundtable was led by Representative Marc Veasey (R-TX) and included Representatives. Rodney Davis (R-IL), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), former NFL players Ken Harvey and John Booty, as well as former United States Capitol Police officers Jim Davis and Ron Potter.
    Please visit https://congressionalfootball.org for more about updates on 2020 Virtual CFG: Fantasy Football. The Congressional Football Game for Charity was first organized to honor and support the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police and to support the families of fallen officers following the tragic shooting and death of Officer Jacob “JJ” Chestnut and Detective John Gibson at the U.S. Capitol. The organization now supports three local non-profits – The Capitol Police Memorial Fund, Our Military Kids, and A Advantage 4 Kids.September
    “Every Fall the ultimate team sport of football brings millions of Americans from different backgrounds and builds a spirit of camaraderie,” said Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33). “I am proud to support the CFG because it is part of this spirit of togetherness that this game builds. The CFG brings members from both sides of the aisle together and helps build relationships both on and off the field.” The participants discussed how the dynamics of the annual CFG, which will be virtual this fall, can give insight into the issues of race relations and policing that are currently dominating the news across the country. “For me and my position it has always been about making sure that we listen, and making sure that we have the opportunity to listen,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta. “Being part of the Congressional Football Game gives you the opportunity to develop friendships and relationships that I believe are absolutely essential in the United States Congress.” Historically, the CFG provides a bipartisan opportunity for members of Congress from opposite sides of the aisle to come together and play with former NFL players, allowing for representatives with different political views to build relationships with each other, as well as former players and members of the Capitol Police. 

     

    “What the Congressional Football Game means most to me is the ability in a bipartisan way to come together, get to know people as individuals, and really get a chance to get to know new people,” said Congressman Rodney Davis. “This discussion is essential because we need leaders not just in Congress but in our communities to talk about race relations.” This year the game will be virtual, and details will be released in the coming weeks.
      To Learn more about the congressional Football Game, please visit https://congressionalfootball.org

       

      About the Congressional Football Game for Charity

      The Congressional Football Game for Charity was first organized to honor and support the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police and to support the families of fallen officers following the tragic shooting and death of Officer Jacob “JJ” Chestnut and Detective John Gibson at the U.S. Capitol. The organization now supports three local non-profits – The Capitol Police Memorial Fund, Our Military Kids, and A Advantage 4 Kids.September