With that in mind, Chiefs players lined up along the goal line about 30 minutes before kickoff Thursday night in a show of solidarity for social justice initiatives while a video played on the screens in each end zone of Arrowhead Stadium. Along with the words ‘It Takes All of Us’ on the screens, the video showcased Alicia Keyes performing the song ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’ It was written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson and set to music by his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson, and is often referred to as the ‘Black national anthem.’ The song will be played before every Week 1 game this season as the NFL continues to address social injustice.
The Texans remained in their locker room during the national anthem in a coordinated display meant to bring awareness to Black Lives Matter and other social justice initiatives.
The anthem was performed by R&B duo Chloe X Halle from an empty stadium and streamed on the video screens. As soon as it was over, the Texans and their coaching staff ran out of the tunnel in the corner of Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs stood along their sideline during the anthem. Most of them had their hands over the hearts.
The two teams then met at midfield to shake hands while messages such as ‘We believe Black lives matter’ and ‘It takes all of us’ played on the screen. They then lined up from end zone to end zone in a show of solidarity before the coin toss. Kansas City Chief fans booed “the moment of unity.”
The GAME: Patrick Mahomes Sets Season Opener Mark As Chiefs Top Texans 34-20
Patrick Mahomes became the first player in NFL history to throw three touchdown passes with no interceptions in a third consecutive season opener on Thursday night against the Houston Texans.
Mahomes’ three touchdown passes led the Chiefs to a 34-20 win. It was their 10th straight victory, counting the playoffs and Super Bowl LIV.
Mahomes ended up throwing for just 211 yards on 24 completions, with a long of 19. But he also was sharp in the red zone. His three touchdown passes were of 6 yards or less.
Rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was another offensive star rushing for 138 yards, including 27-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Edwards-Helaire became the Chiefs’ primary back when Damien Williams opted out of the season shortly before the start of training camp amid the coronavirus pandemic. Williams led the Chiefs in rushing last season with 498 yards, but Edwards-Helaire reached about one-quarter of that total in his first NFL game.
Both teams made a statement during the national anthem, the Texans left the field before it was played, and the Chiefs stood and locked arms as that song and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” were played.
Here’t he national anthem performed by Chloe x Halle. Halle wore a shirt with the words “Rest in Peace George Floyd,” while Chloe was in a “Say Her Name Breonna Taylor” shirt.
