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FORMER NFL great Herschel Walker defended on Monday night, telling the RNC audience in a stirring speech that his friend of 37 years is no racist.

Walker, who began a “deep, personal friendship” with the president in 1984, praised the president’s approach to social justice and expressed support for his belief that professional athletes should stand for the anthem.

Herschel Walker, an outspoken Republican, praised President Trump this week at the RNC
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Herschel Walker, an outspoken Republican, praised President Trump this week at the RNCCredit: Reuters
Trump and Walker began their friendship in 1984, when Trump purchased the New Jersey Generals
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Trump and Walker began their friendship in 1984, when Trump purchased the New Jersey GeneralsCredit: AP:Associated Press

“Just because someone loves and respects the flag, our national anthem and our country doesn’t mean they don’t care about social justice,” Walker said.

“I care about all those things, so does Donald Trump. He shows how much he cares about social justice in the black community through his actions...”

Following the death of George Floyd, the NBA allowed players to write phrases related to social justice on their jerseys, with the NFL reportedly planning to implement similar measures.

Walker's impressive athletic career includes playing football for the (now-defunct) USFL and NFL, as well as time as an MMA fighter
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Walker's impressive athletic career includes playing football for the (now-defunct) USFL and NFL, as well as time as an MMA fighter Credit: Getty Images Sport Classic - Getty
Last week, Walker called out the Democratic National Convention for focusing too much on race
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Last week, Walker called out the Democratic National Convention for focusing too much on raceCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The NFL star running back and winner of the coveted Heisman Trophy said that he considers it a “personal insult” when the president is accused of racism. 

The two first met when Trump purchased the New Jersey Generals, a team in the United States Football League - an organization which Walker played for prior to joining the NFL. The USFL no longer exists.

too heavily on race in their national convention.

Walker said that it “hurts his soul” when President Trump is accused of racism.

“People who think that don’t know what they are talking about. Growing up in the Deep South, I have seen racism up close,” Walker said.

“I know what it is. And it isn’t Donald Trump.”

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