Chris Kluwe steps up

The former Minnesota Vikings punter was arrested at a Huntington Beach City Council meeting.

Throughout his eight-year NFL career, Chris Kluwe was known to be an odd duck. Professional football, after all, oftentimes feels like the military. Yes, sir. No, sir. Run. Lift. Eat. Sleep. It’s hard-nosed and ritualistic, and either you conform to the ideals of your team or, with rare exception, you’re gone.

Kluwe, quirky as a one-armed gnome, survived for nearly a decade because—as a punter—he was elite. He averaged 44.4 yards per boot in the NFL, a staggering number that ranks among the best to ever do it. He appeared in 127 out of 128 possible games, meaning he was equally durable and reliable.

But, well, he didn’t conform. And if you need proof, here’s a piece he wrote for Deadspin in 2014 headlined, I WAS AN NFL PLAYER UNTIL I WAS FIRED BY TWO COWARDS AND A BIGOT. And, if you need more proof, here’s an article about Kluwe celebrating gay rights—a third-rail topic for the rough, tough world of football …

My point is, Chris Kluwe talks the talk and walks the walk. Even if it’s injurious to his career. Even if he’s smacked around on social media by morons. Even if it means scorn, ridicule, marginalization.

Which is why it isn’t surprising to learn that, earlier this week, Kluwe was arrested at a Huntington Beach City Council meeting. The former punter/California native was protesting his hometown’s sad, pathetic, hateful decision to display a plaque at the public library that reads: “Magical,” “Alluring,” “Galvanizing,” and “Adventurous” next to each other to spell out MAGA. Here’s the video of his statement before the board.

And, yes, getting arrested sucks. And, yes, there are questions we all must ask ourselves before taking action. But … fucking bravo. Bravo! This took guts and confidence and belief in self. It took steadfastness, courage, an understanding that many (especially in Kentucky-lite Huntington Beach) would object.

It took standing up for what you know to be right, which is particularly daunting in a time period when far too many people (mainly conservatives) have confused lining up behind a (rapist, lying) bully for guts.

Chris Kluwe is best known as an NFL punter.

Today, he’s a hero.