Several Georgia State football players were among those participating in the march through downtown Atlanta on Friday night.

Coach Trent Miles gave his approval of his players' decision to participate, sending this tweet from @CoachTMilesGSU at 9:33 p.m.: So proud of our Panthers! Continue to be safe, smart and socially responsible. #BuildingLeadersComesFirst

Running back Taz Bateman posted a photo of he and several teammates, including former player Melvin King, walking with their right fists raised in a scene reminiscent of the protests in the 1968 Olympics.

Before the march, wide receiver Penny Hart spoke to several teammates and what appeared to be other students.

“Because there is something we can do about it,” Hart says in the video. “They are also saying, ‘It’s not going to do nothing.” But maybe it’s just step one to make us evolve and be able to do something better for this community.”

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Houston County High School football players take the field for a region game against Coffee High School on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. This season, Houston County has outscored its opponents by an average of 26.9 points per game. (Courtesy of hocofootball.com)

Credit: HOCOFootball.com

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(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero | Sources: Hyosub Shin for the AJC, Unsplash)

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC