Washington Redskins WR DeSean Jackson to Wear Cleats Protesting Police Shootings During Pregame Warmups (UPDATE)

Washington Redskins WR DeSean Jackson got a pair of customized cleats made to protest police shootings.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Update:

Both Jackson, and the Redskins, released statements regarding the wide receiver's decision to wear the cleats during pregame. First, Jackson said: 

"Today is the start of my attempts to be part of a solution and start dialogue about the senseless killings of both citizens and police. I have chosen to wear these cleats in pregame today to use my platform as a pro athlete to add to this discussion. This isn’t meant to be any kind of protest against the good men and women in law enforcement in this country. I just want to express my concern in a peaceful and productive way about issues that are currently impacting our country."

Washington followed up with a similar theme:

"We stand in support of both DeSean and the law enforcement community. We have great respect for law enforcement and the sacrifices they make each and every day to protect and serve our communities. We continue to have open dialogue with our players about issues that are important to them and support their efforts to bring awareness to those issues when done in a responsible manner."

Sounds like he won't be wearing them during the game.

Original Story Below

Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson will be the latest NFL player to try and make a statement about police violence before a game Sunday. According to TMZ Sports, Jackson got a pair of custom cleats made by artist Marcus Rivero that will prominently feature yellow caution tape wrapped around each shoe. Furthermore, Jackson explained his reasoning for the move to TMZ, saying "I've seen enough yellow caution tape and it's time for a stand and a change in our community and society."

He went on to explain, "Senseless killings have been ongoing for awhile and police brutality in our black community, and as a young black leader with a stage and platform I'm starting awareness to help prevent these killings, and hopefully get justice to these cops who have taken lives of innocent human beings." Jackson said that he wants "a change with the decision-making on these cop killings." And apparently he has further ambitions for his cause, adding, "I am also coming up with a master plan to start a movement." What that means? Well we'll have to wait and see.

This is not the first time Jackson has attempted to make a statement with his footwear, as he previously got a pair of custom sneakers made that said "I Can't Breathe" to honor Eric Garner.

Jackson reportedly intends to wear the shoes during warmups Sunday morning, and is undecided whether he'll leave them on during the game.