NFL legends make emotional trip to Israel in push for hostages’ release
A dynamic duo of NFL legends and former Kansas City Chiefs teammates recently embarked on a powerful journey to Israel to advocate for the release of Israeli and American hostages held captive by Hamas. Nick Lowery, renowned as one of the league’s greatest placekickers, and former star fullback Tony Richardson returned from their five-day trip, sponsored by Athletes for Israel, with a renewed sense of purpose. Their mission was met with success, as a diplomatic breakthrough shortly followed, resulting in the release of three hostages with promises of more to come.
Lowery, a beloved figure in Kansas City and the Chiefs’ all-time leading scorer, emphasized the importance of making a difference off the field, stating that his legacy lies in his contributions to the community rather than his accomplishments on the gridiron. The 68-year-old football icon is now dedicated to combating antisemitism, racism, and advocating for the release of hostages like Naama Levy, a young surveillance soldier abducted by Hamas in 2023.
During their visit, Lowery and Richardson engaged with Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog and IDF soldiers, and visited poignant sites such as the Nova music festival massacre site and the Western Wall. Lowery also participated in the #SportSpeaksUp campaign, led by Eric Rubin of Project Max, which aims to fight racism, antisemitism, and intolerance through sports.
One of the most touching moments of their trip was a visit to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, where they sat with Naama Levy’s family. Naama, a vibrant and compassionate young woman with a passion for peace and helping others, has been held captive for over 500 days. Her family shared stories of her strength, kindness, and unwavering spirit, bringing a sense of hope and inspiration to all who heard about her.
Lowery’s commitment to standing up for Jewish people stems from his grandmother’s experiences documenting atrocities at the Dachau concentration camp in Germany. He is dedicated to fostering unity between Jews and Christians and continues to meet with families affected by hostage situations. The former NFL star expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to connect with these individuals and vowed to continue supporting them in their journey towards freedom.
As they returned from their impactful trip, Lowery and Richardson reflected on the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Israeli people they encountered. Despite facing tragedy and adversity, the people of Israel remained steadfast in their determination to preserve their light and positivity. Lowery emphasized that the work they are doing now, advocating for those in need, is the most important of their lives, bonding them for life in a shared mission of compassion and support.
In conclusion, the journey of Nick Lowery and Tony Richardson to Israel not only brought attention to the plight of hostages held by Hamas but also highlighted the power of sports figures to make a meaningful impact beyond the field. Their commitment to fighting injustice and advocating for those in need serves as a testament to the enduring legacy they hope to leave behind.
