Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tyler Eifert will pay homage to David Dorn on his helmet this year in honor of the retired St. Louis police captain, according to a report released Monday.
Dorn was shot and killed while trying to protect his friend’s pawnshop, Lee’s Pawn and Jewelry, in the early hours of June 2, when the town was the subject of protests over the death of George Floyd on guard on sight. Dorn had served 38 years in the St. Louis Police Force.
“I had very good news from former player @Bengals / current player @Jaguars @tylereifert that he will honor fallen policeman David Dorn on his helmet,” the Hamilton County Republican Party chairman tweeted Monday, Alex Triantafilou. “I have always been a fan of Tyler and God bless him!”
Triantafilou did not specify which games Eifert will honor Dorn this season, or what that tribute will involve.
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The NFL announced in June that it plans to allow players to have decals on the back of their helmets bearing the names or initials of victims of systemic racism and police violence.
Tight End Tyler Eifert # 88 of the Jacksonville Jaguars trains during Dream Finders Home Training Field Training Camp on August 12, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore / Getty Images)
Last month, New Orleans Saints players, including quarterback Drew Brees, were seen named after Jacob Blake, who was shot dead by police in Kenosha, Wis., And is currently paralyzed.
Other names will come from an approved list and will likely include George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, victims of police violence that sparked a series of nationwide protests against racial injustice this year, Pro Football Talk reported.
Players can choose a victim’s name or one of the four favorite phrases approved by the NFL: “Stop Hate”; “We all need”, “End Racism” or “Black Lives Matter”. The same choices are available to coaches and field officials.
Eifert’s decision comes as he has supported the military and first responders throughout his career after being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 21st in the 2013 NFL overall standings.
“Happy July 4th! I love this vacation, I always think of how lucky I am to live in the best country in the world. And all the servicemen who sacrificed themselves so that we could all live the American dream! Have fun!” you and be safe there, ”he wrote on Twitter in July.
In 2017, the core group decided to run for the national anthem and even wrote a Medium post, explaining that his love for his country was the reason for his decision.
“I stand because I want to honor the people who put their lives on the line for me on a daily basis in the military, navy, marine corps, air force and coast guard,” Eifert wrote. . “I stand because my cousin is a pilot in the United States Air Force, risking his life flying F-15s in active war zones. He takes pride in his work protecting Americans, a sacrifice that all members of all branches of the United States military. take voluntarily. “
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Eifert wore a pair of cleats against the Baltimore Ravens that year to honor former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman, who died in 2004 while serving in the U.S. Army Rangers.
The tight end hopes to rejuvenate his Jacksonville career after seven seasons with the Bengals. Although talented, injuries have impacted his potential so far. Eifert played all 16 games in 2019, having played just 14 games in the previous three seasons.
He made the Pro Bowl after the 2015 season, having made 52 passes for 615 yards while recording 13 touchdowns.
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James O’Shaughnessy had the most receiving yards among the Jaguars’ tight ends last season, with just 153 yards. He played in just 5 games after suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
Fox News’ Caitlin McFall and The Associated Press contributed to this report
