Dozens of current and former NFL players have appealed to U.S. leaders to take action amid escalating violence against Christians in Nigeria, calling attention to what they describe as a worsening humanitarian and religious freedom crisis.
According to LifeSiteNews, more than 60 players and coaches signed a letter addressed to President Donald Trump and congressional leaders urging immediate intervention in Nigeria, where Christian communities have faced years of kidnappings, killings, and attacks linked to radical Islamist groups and armed militias.
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Among the signatories are Super Bowl champions, Hall of Fame figures, and active NFL players, including former tight end Benjamin Watson and Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy. Both men are widely known for their outspoken Christian faith and public defense of the sanctity of human life.
LifeSiteNews reports that the letter specifically addresses the failure of security forces to stem violence, stating: “Despite years of escalating attacks, the Nigerian Army and security services have been ineffective.” The players warn that continued inaction has created an environment where extremist groups act with impunity.
The letter calls on the United States to partner with Nigerian authorities to confront Fulani militias and other armed groups, while conditioning U.S. military assistance on “clear, measurable benchmarks” such as the protection of villages and houses of worship. The players also urge expanded humanitarian aid, sanctions, and increased oversight related to religious freedom violations.
Several active players added their voices to the appeal, including quarterback Kirk Cousins, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, and others. LifeSiteNews notes that many NFL players have personal or family ties to Nigeria, underscoring the urgency of the appeal.
The players’ letter emphasizes the country’s importance while lamenting the ongoing violence, describing Nigeria as “a strategically important democracy and a nation of extraordinary beauty, rich culture, and resilient people.” It adds that “for years, Nigerians of all faiths have endured relentless attacks, kidnappings, and killings by extremist groups and criminal networks exploiting ethnic and religious divides,” according to LifeSiteNews.
International concern over Nigeria’s treatment of Christians has grown in recent years. LifeSiteNews cites remarks from U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, who described the situation as “genocide wearing the mask of chaos.” The outlet also reports that President Trump has threatened to “wipe out” Islamic terrorists operating in the country.
Independent reports reinforce the gravity of the crisis. A 2025 Global Christian Relief Red List report identifies Nigeria as the most dangerous country in the world for Christians. LifeSiteNews further references findings from Open Doors indicating that more than 50,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria between 2009 and 2022, with 2023 recorded as the bloodiest year on record.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has likewise expressed concern. In its 2025 report, cited by LifeSiteNews, the commission urged the U.S. government to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” noting that “the Nigerian government remains slow or, at times, appears unwilling to respond to this violence, creating an environment of impunity for the attackers.”
For Catholics, the appeal from these athletes echoes the Church’s longstanding call to defend persecuted Christians and uphold religious freedom worldwide. By using their public platform to advocate for those suffering abroad, the players have drawn renewed attention to a crisis many Church leaders and humanitarian organizations say can no longer be ignored.
As LifeSiteNews reports, the focus now shifts to whether U.S. policymakers will respond to the athletes’ plea and take concrete steps to protect vulnerable Christian communities in Nigeria.
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