Rams Defensive End Kobie Turner Uses NFL Platform to Advocate for Immigrant Rights
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Kobie Turner will take the field Sunday wearing custom cleats highlighting the contributions of immigrants to American society, a visible demonstration of support coordinated with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA).The cleats feature the phrase “Immigrants Built This Country” and are part of the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” campaign.
Turner’s initiative arrives at a critical moment, as federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are conducting increased detentions and arrests of immigrants across the U.S. The Rams player hopes to amplify the voices of immigrant communities and underscore their vital role in American culture, particularly within the areas the team serves. “You look around and you see ‘Vamos Rams,’ the communities that we serve are immigrant communities,” Turner said. “It’s significant to be able to lend a voice to those people and let them no that they are being heard.”
The partnership with CHIRLA extends beyond the cleats. This weekend, the association will bring a group of immigrant youth to the Rams game. Turner’s commitment to supporting immigrant communities also includes a Thanksgiving event on Tuesday, where he, Rams staff, and cheerleaders will join A Place Called Home, a South L.A. nonprofit, to serve meals and distribute 400 turkeys and Thanksgiving supplies to families in need. turner will also perform with 29Live, the youth band of A Place called Home, during the event.
“Our mission is to achieve a just society fully inclusive of immigrants, and whether that’s on the football pitch, if it’s in the halls of Congress, if it’s at the White House making decisions on laws that will impact the lives of immigrants, we need all of the support,” said CHIRLA representative Tadeo.the “My Cause My Cleats” campaign allows NFL players to raise awareness for causes they are passionate about, and Turner’s choice reflects a dedication to advocating for a more inclusive society.
