Brydon Minter, described as a “rogue” NFL employee was by Yahoo! Sports, was reportedly responsible for the NFL’s video statement expressing support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and the NFL players’ video message that came before it, this week. 

Cliff Hawkins / Getty Images

Minter began by sending a DM to Saints’ wide receiver Michael Thomas, saying that he had a plan to put pressure on the NFL to support the Black Lives Matter movement. “Hey Mike,” he wrote. “Want to help you create content to be heard around the league. I’m an NFL social employee and am embarrassed by how the league has been silent this week… I want [to] help you put the pressure on. And arm you with a video that expresses YOUR voice and [what] you want from the League. Give me a holler if you’re interested in working together, thanks bro!”

Thomas immediately responded and soon, the video below was uploaded to social media.

“We didn’t feel like our voices were being heard,” Minter told Yahoo! Sports. “And that’s what ultimately inspired me to go rogue.”

“The players are the league,” Minter continued. “Without the players, no one gives a shit. Our game is the players, it’s our players’ personalities, it’s our players’ performance, it’s all about them. And if they speak up, they have the power.”

Friday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a video expressing the league’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

[Via]