The United States as a whole has endured the roughest six month stretch, possibly in our nation's history.
We began 2020 with the coronavirus, while social unrest broke out across the country.
Sports and politics can be synonymous, giving professional athletes and high-profile coaches a platform to express themselves.
I waited for a statement from head football coach Sam Pittman from my alma mater University of Arkansas after reading statements from head coach Eric Musselman and athletic director Hunter Yurachek.
There was a peaceful protest in Fayetteville, Arkansas and Sam Pittman, along with members of the football program were in attendance.
Pittman didn't give a statement over the internet, but some assistant coaches gave their input on the current social climate of the country.
I appreciated Ptttman's show of empathy by joining protesters, as he's the highest paid state employee. Pittman didn't have to use the public relations team at Arkansas, nor make a social media post for a look. He put actions behind his message with his players.
In my opinion, that means more than anything.
"What made me go? Because I felt like I needed to go," Pittman said to reporters Wednesday during his weekly address. "I felt like in my heart I wanted to go. I wanted to support our football team. I wanted to support the protest. That's what believe in.
"I think you can tweet about stuff, you can do a lot of things. You can take a picture for somebody to show, you can do whatever you want, but actions are strong, and I felt like, for me, the best way for me to address the situation was to go be a part of what could be a solution. I didn't go down there for someone to take my picture. I went down there because I wanted to support the players on our football team and their families."
University of Texas head coach Tom Herman took a different approach.
Herman allowed his players to speak from their hearts on their social media platforms and he also released a statement.
Sam Elhinger is the most popular player in college football based on his impressions, likes and social media followers on all platforms.
Elhinger's posts about current state of affairs in our country reached millions.
Both coaches proved to be socially conscious, while attempting to begin the most unique college football season we've ever seen.
The actions will last longer than any win, practice or anything remotely close to what these two gentlemen will do on the football field, outside of winning a national championship for their respective institutions.
In the end, when sports start back in America, it will be the driving force to unifying our country once again.