The killing of George Floyd has sparked protests throughout the United States, but Las Vegas Raiders receiver Zay Jones had a heartwarming story to share on Twitter during these tough times.
“(I) was just at a local home goods store w/ my cousin getting furniture for my place when an elderly white woman approached me at the check out counter,” Jones tweeted on Saturday. “(She) looked at me w/ tears in her eyes… & then said “i’m from Minneapolis & I just want you to know “you matter to me.”
Jones said he hesitated at first to hug her because she was wearing a mask to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic, but then asked if she wanted an embrace.
“(I) asked if she wanted a hug and she folded into my arms,” he tweeted. “She cried while she told me how important it is to spread love. (I) didn’t get her name but I’m grateful for the encounter.”
The 25-year-old Jones, who is entering his fourth NFL season, added that “beautiful hearts still exist,” calling on people to “be the light” and “love others.”
Floyd, 46, died Monday after police officer Derek Chauvin, 44, pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck after Floyd was suspected of spending a counterfeit $20 bill. Chauvin has been charged third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Odell Beckham Jr. and other athletes also have spoken passionately about Floyd’s death.