Ex-linebacker tackles racism in new book, YouTube series

Emmanuel Acho is making his most impactful tackle six years after playing his last NFL game.

The former Philadelphia linebacker has enjoyed a spectacular off-field rise, beginning with his desire to take on racism. Acho celebrated his 30th birthday Tuesday with the release of his book: “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.” His YouTube series with the same name has amassed more than 65 million views in five months.

“I hope very simply that people realize they have the ability and it is up to them to at a minimum change their world,” Acho said. “My goal for this book, you don’t need to change the mind of the person in a neighboring state to ease the mind of your neighbor. Change the mind of the person in the neighboring bedroom. Let’s do that, and let’s see the ripple effect.”

Acho launched his video series in response to George Floyd’s death. His guests have included actor Matthew McConaughey and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Acho’s conversations with prominent white men about racism in America caught Oprah Winfrey’s attention. She called Acho, and they turned the video series into a book published by her imprint.

“I didn’t do this for fame. I didn’t do this for followers. I didn’t do this for books. I didn’t do this for Oprah,” Acho said. “I did it because after the tragic murder of George Floyd, as a Black man, I was devastated. … And I was walking around my house saying: ‘I have to do something. My God didn’t put me on this earth to just talk about football and talk about LeBron James’ highlight dunks.’”

Acho, host of FS1’s “Speak for Yourself,” grew up in Texas the son of Nigerian immigrants. He was drafted out of Texas in the sixth round by Cleveland in 2012 and played 20 games with the Eagles in 2013 and 2014. His brother, Sam Acho, played linebacker for Arizona, Chicago and Tampa Bay from 2011 to 2019.

Acho covers topics in the book ranging from white privilege to interracial families. He praised the NFL for its social justice initiatives.

■ Ravens: Calais Campbell (calf) was ruled out for Sunday, ending the NFL’s second-longest active games streak for defensive ends.

Campbell, hurt in Baltimore’s Week 9 win at Indianapolis, will miss his first game since 2014. The 34-year-old’s streak of 98 straight starts ranked behind only New Orleans’ Cameron Jordan (137).

Acquired from Jacksonville this offseason,

Campbell leads the Ravens in sacks with four and is tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with five.

■ Steelers: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, linebacker Vince Williams, running back Jaylen Samuels and offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins were activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

■ Bills: Cornerbacks Josh Norman and Levi Wallace, tight end Tyler Kroft and safety Dean Marlowe were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Norman tested positive for the virus.

■ Buccaneers: Left guard Ali Marpet (concussion) was ruled out for Sunday, and wide receiver Jaydon Mickens was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

■ Texans: David Johnson (concussion) was placed on injured reserve, and fellow running back C.J. Prosise was promoted from the practice squad.

■ Bears: Running back David Montgomery (concussion) was ruled out for Monday, and wide receiver Allen Robinson (knee) is questionable.

■ Vikings: Tight end Irv Smith Jr. (groin) was ruled out for Monday, and right guard Pat Elflein was waived.

■ Seahawks: Running backs Chris Carson (foot) and Carlos Hyde (hamstring) were ruled out for Sunday.

■ Browns: Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb (knee) was activated from IR after missing four games.

■ Dolphins: Linebacker Kyle Van Noy was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

■ Chargers: Running back Justin Jackson (knee) was placed on IR.

Michael Ainsworth The Associated Press Emmanuel Acho, right, shown in 2017 with former Eagles teammate Trey Burton, celebrated his 30th birthday Tuesday with the release of his book: “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.”