NFL Star Jamaal Williams on Embracing Anime Fandom
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NFL star Jamaal Williams talked about how anime helps combat loneliness by creating bonds among fans. ComicBook had the chance to hang out with the New Orleans Saints running back during Anime Expo 2024. As we talked about anime, Williams shared his approach to combatting stigma attached to the hobby. Despite these shows and movies being more popular than ever, some Black fans can feel a bit alone when beginning their anime journeys. As a part of Crunchyroll’s panel about Black fandom in anime, Williams encouraged attendees to be confident in their paths and find friends who love you for all parts of you.
“I know that there’s always somebody out there that when I give them my story that can relate to me in some way like there’s always gonna be one person. If I can affect one person, let them know that it’s okay to be there,” Williams explained. “It’s okay to be yourself. It’s okay to let people know what you do. They may think it’s weird. It’s fun, it’s fine. But, be yourself, because people who see that, and see that you are yourself, they will come to you today. Because, they know then you won’t judge them from being themselves. And ,you won’t judge them for them. So, I just like people to be around people who are genuine. They love you for who you are. They accept who you are.”
Whether it was his younger days with Naruto or more recent favorites like Fire Force or One Piece, Williams has always found something to take with him after watching an anime he’s never seen before. He talked about what his favorite hobby has done to make him more focused on his craft and keep him mentally sharp.
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