PHOENIX – A message posted by the NFL on its social media account on October 24 addressed the May police shooting that killed Dion Johnson.
Johnson was shot on May 25, following a struggle with a DPS trooper along Loop 101. Johnson’s death, along with that of death of George Floydsparked protests Downtown Phoenix.
The soldier was identified as George Cervantes. In July 2020, FOX 10 reported that Cervantes told investigators he feared for his life when he decided to shoot Johnson. In September, Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel said no charges will be filed against Cervantes.
Post made on Instagram
The message that mentioned Johnson was made by NFL officials on their verified Instagram account. The post featured a photo of Johnson, along with a statement from Johnson’s mother, Erma, and a photo showing an NFL helmet with Johnson’s name printed on it.
“My son, Dion Johnson, was a great inspiration to so many and was loved by so many,” Erma’s statement read. “They took my king (too) soon. He was and should always be here because my king will live.”
The post had the caption “Say his name.”
Some who responded to the post on the NFL’s Instagram page mentioned the circumstances surrounding the shooting that killed Johnson.
