Texans safety Michael Thomas designed a shirt that will be worn by NFL players in Week 1. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Texans safety Michael Thomas designs shirts with social justice message for players to wear Week 1

By Blake Harper | Last updated 9/10/20

Houston Texans safety Michael Thomas has designed shirts for every player to wear Week 1 that delivers a clear message against racism in America.

The shirts were shared online by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and have "End Racism" written on the back with "Injustice Against One Of Us Is Injustice Against All Of Us" written on the front. Thomas, who is vice president for the NFL Players Association, has been a leading voice for NFL players as they have spoken out against racial injustice in light of nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.

"It's a message of unity while speaking directly to what we're fighting for in this movement," Thomas said about the shirts.

Here are the T-shirts — designed by #Texans safety Michael Thomas, and sent by the NFLPA to every player league-wide — that you’ll see during pregame warmups, starting tonight in Kansas City.

The front reads: “INJUSTICE AGAINST ONE OF US IS INJUSTICE AGAINST ALL OF US.” pic.twitter.com/bkeo7mAkXm
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 10, 2020

Thomas said he was inspired by Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and systemic racism. Since then, he has tried to use his platform to promote racial justice.

"My wife is my backbone, and she said, 'I'm here with you, and if that's how you feel, you need to take a knee,'" he said to Bembry. "For me and [teammate] Kenny [Stills], we knew we were taking a knee for the right thing and we wanted to be on the right side of history."

The Texans and Chiefs are reportedly considering staying in their locker rooms for the anthem in Thursday night's opener, with Thomas among those leading discussions between the teams. The NFL had previously not shown much support for players protesting but the league has indicated they will stand behind players voicing their beliefs.

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