'It’s time for a change’: Coach Rhule’s message in fight against racism, social injustice

CHARLOTTE — Transitioning from head coach at the college level to the NFL is never easy. But for Carolina Panthers first-year coach Matt Rhule, it has been particularly challenging because of the coronavirus pandemic.

[‘He’s the real deal’: Rhule known as a coach who gets the job done]

Nearly five months after being hired away from Baylor to help rebuild a struggling franchise, Rhule has met in person only about 20 of the 90 players on the roster. And he still hasn’t run his players through a practice because of the league stoppage due to the pandemic.

In a little more than three months, he’ll need to field a team for the first regular-season game — assuming the NFL season goes ahead as scheduled.​

Since Friday, Rhule said he’s had several discussions with his team and individual players about the protesting across the country against racism and social injustice. They all have his unwavering support.

"I'm proud of the guys that have gone out and used their voices, have used their influence to try and make change," Rhule said.

He supports players such as Shaq Thompson, Tre Boston and Chris Manhertz, among others, for their involvement as community leaders.

"It’s really just been being there for each other," Rhule said.

The coach’s focus is to listen and empathize through dialogue.

“As a white man sitting there talking to Shaq, what’s the best thing I can do? The best thing I can do is listen,” Rhule said.

Panthers players have discussed fears and experiences related to racism and social injustice, he said.

"One of our players said this to me, ‘The fear that I have of letting my son get in the car and go out somewhere.’ I think hearing that and then starting to say, ‘Okay, what can I do? What can we do?’ I think are the first steps. It just can't stop there. It has to lead to action which leads to change," Rhule said.

His message extends beyond a diverse locker room and into his own living room.

“I want to look back sometime and have my kids and my grandkids say, ‘My mom and dad were on the right side of history. It’s time for a change,’” Rhule said.

WATCH: One-on-one interview with Matt Rhule WATCH: One-on-one interview with Matt Rhule

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