The NFL is Full of Haitian Players Who Are Far From ‘Shitholes’
The nation was rocked Thursday when the Washington Post reported a disturbing commentary from President Trump in a meeting on immigration. Lawmakers proposed restoring protection for immigrants form Haiti, El Salvador and African countries to which Trump uttered: “Why are we having all of these people from shithole countries come here.”
In light of this bigoted, hurtful comment, which has infuriated and embarrassed most Americans citizens, we thought it a good idea to spotlight some of the NFL’s numerous Haitian players who have displayed a special spirit native to their homeland. They have all achieved far greater success in NFL circles than the president. So has your cat.
49ers wide receiver Pierre Garcon was born in New York to Haitian immigrants. Garcon delivered medical supplies to Haiti after the country was devastated by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. He proudly shared Anderson Cooper’s remembrance of the Haitian resolve.
Seahawks DE Cliff Avril, nicknamed the Haitian Creation, was born in Florida to Haitian parents. Avril has consistently been devoted to revitalizing his native land. Avril promised to build a house for every sack recorded during the 2016 season – 11.5 sacks turned into 12 new homes during the ensuing offseason. He is also is in the process of building an elementary school in the Central Plateau area of Haiti through his Cliff Avril Family Foundation.
Patriots LB Ricky Jean-Francois was born to Haitian parents in Miami. Jean-Francois, while a member of the Redskins, joined his then teammate Garcon in delivering supplies to Haiti after Hurricane Matthew. Jean-Francois detailed his trip with Garcon in a first-person for Player’s Tribune.
49ers LB Elvis Dumervil was born in the Little Haiti section of Miami to Haitian immigrants. In 2016, Dumervil started the process of building 58 homes (his number) to protect families forced to live in slums after the devastating earthquake eight years ago
Bengals RB Giovani Bernard was born to Haitian parents. As detailed in this rich longform profile, Bernard spent childhood summers with his grandmother in Port-au-Prince learning Creole. In the wake of the 2010 earthquake, Gio and his brother built a school for Haitian children in need and named it after their mother who died of cancer when Gio was in elementary school.
Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul, the Haitian Sensation, was also born to Haitian parents in Florida. Piere-Paul funded food drives to Haiti after the earthquake. He wears his Haitian pride on his sleeve … and his cleats.
Custom Haitian Flag cleats for Jason Pierre-Paul #uniswag pic.twitter.com/mfoE25fWdX
— UNISWAG (@UNISWAG) July 27, 2016
