The night after winning the AFC championship, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo wasn’t partying it up with his teammates in a well-deserved celebration. He was emailing marriage equality advocate Brian Ellner, and Michael Skolnik, the political director for Russell Simmons. His message, sent at 3:40 a.m., read:
“Is there anything I can do for marriage equality or anti-bullying over the next couple of weeks to harness this Super Bowl media?”
He’s since reached out to other gay rights advocates to brainstorm on ways to seize the Super Bowl spotlight, including Hudson Taylor, founder and Executive Director of Athlete Ally.
“He’s so excited and ready to take a stand in whatever way he can,” said Taylor. “He is leveraging the biggest sports stage in the world.”
And his ultimate dream?
“To go on Ellen’s show, to be dancing with her, to bust a move with her,” Ayanbadejo said.
Luckily for Ayanbadejo, The Ellen Show has already reached out, wanting him on the show post-Super Bowl, ring or no ring.
The issue of marriage equality has been a frequent player in the NFL this season. Earlier this year, Ayanbadejo stood up against Maryland House of Delegates member Emmett C. Burns, Jr. who sent a letter to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, asking for the team to curb Ayanbadejo’s support of the issue. Instead of caving, the athlete took to Twitter to make a stand which ultimately led Burns to apologize.
No matter what the final score may be on Sunday, February 3, Brendon Ayanbadejo will be the MVP in our eyes.
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