New England Patriots Players Rallying Support to Fight Human Trafficking Ahead of NFL Playoffs
Human Trafficking
Friday, Jan. 3, 2020 — New England Patriots veteran players, Benjamin Watson and Matthew Slater, are leveraging their platforms in an unexpected way ahead of the Wild Card game – rallying support in their locker room to combat human trafficking on behalf of International Justice Mission (IJM), a leading global anti-slavery organization.
Coinciding with National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Watson and Slater are leading a group effort among several teammates to pledge a combined $2,000 per point scored by the Patriots during the Wild Card game that will help fund urgent needs in the field. In addition to the generous financial resources pledged, through players and their families promoting the pledge and effort, Patriots fans across the country will also learn more about modern-day slavery and the solution to put slavery out of business as well as have a chance to give to the campaign.
Super Bowl champion and New England Patriots tight end, Benjamin Watson said, “Kirsten and I have partnered with IJM for a number of years in a variety of ways, and I am excited to come together with my teammates to raise our voice and resources, to call attention to and tackle this terrible crime.”
Three-time Super Bowl champion and New England Patriots team captain, Matthew Slater said, “During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we want to drive awareness among Patriots fans and others that modern-day slavery still exists and hope that supporters will join in pledging alongside us to make a tangible contribution to the fight.”
In addition, other Patriots players and their families have pledged financial support for every game of the team’s entire playoff run.
About International Justice Mission:
International Justice Mission is a global organization that protects people in poverty from violence. IJM partners with local authorities in 19 program offices in 11 countries to combat slavery, violence against women and children, and other forms of abuse against people who are poor. IJM works to rescue and restore victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and help strengthen public justice systems. Learn more at IJM.org.
