Chicago Bears: Sam Acho discusses what real change looks like
By Mark Carman
NFL free agent linebacker Sam Acho is looking for a job in 2020 while hoping for real change as he releases his new book.
Sam Acho wants to play football in 2020, but whether he gets an opportunity or not, Acho will keep himself busy. Yes, he would like to be a Chicago Bear again.
“I obviously loved my time in Chicago,” Acho told Da Windy City podcast. “I played here for four years, love the team, love the city. Obviously played in Tampa Bay last season and have been in talks with them as well. Love Chicago, love Tampa Bay, would love to play. But at the same time, I think I’ve realized this last season that I am more than just a football player.”
That is putting it lightly for the impactful Acho, who just released his new book Let The World See You. He recently raised $500,000 to convert a liquor store into a grocery store in one of Chicago’s impoverished neighborhoods getting help from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot along the way.
“I think at least what I am going for in my community and ideally for the world is substantive change, real change,” Acho said. “So that means yes, statues coming down, yes names being changed, but it’s investing in our community. People always say don’t just throw your money, but money is something to put in the communities. Your money, your time, your voice.”
Change continues to happen highlighted by the long-overdue name change in Washington. Acho is hopeful for more support from the NFL moving forward.
“I see the NFL getting behind organizations that are on the ground, in the dirt making change and seeing that change happen nationwide,” Acho said.
At the end of the day, Acho believes people continuing to educate themselves on social injustice issues will drive the movement forward.
“I went to the number one rated private school in the entire United States,” Acho said. “It was predominantly white. In my classes, I never learned about the Tulsa riots of 1921. I didn’t learn about how the 13th amendment, yes slavery was abolished, but there was an exception, I didn’t learn about the exception in the 13th amendment that said its abolished except for if you’ve been convicted of a felony.”
Check out the entire Acho interview on Da Windy City podcast.