The murder of nine people in a Charleston, South Carolina, church on Wednesday night affected Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson enough that he decided to speak out.
To do so, Johnson rejoined Twitter.
Johnson, who grew up outside Atlanta, urged people to influence those they raise and those around them if they really want to see societal change.
Hi Twitter I've had many emotions since the heinous act in S.C. but eventually it comes down to how we raise our own and those we can impact
— Calvin Johnson, Jr. (@calvinjohnsonjr) June 19, 2015That's if we want to see change. We are born with love, hate is learned so let's love our neighbor. Happy Father's Day.
— Calvin Johnson, Jr. (@calvinjohnsonjr) June 19, 2015It was an emotional plea from the All-Pro receiver, who had been on Twitter in the past but said Friday he had stopped because he was hacked.
The 29-year-old has become more outspoken in recent years. Last season, he was opinionated in the wake of the Adrian Peterson incident about how he would raise his children.
Lions coach Jim Caldwell has said in the past he has no problems with his players speaking out on issues that are important to them.
Former Lions running back Reggie Bush was particularly outspoken during the Ferguson riots last year.