"Professional athletes are incredibly powerful, especially those that are successful and have established a name for themselves. They often have more social media followers than the President of the United States," said Wilkinson, highlighting the significant influence that famous athletes can have in shaping public opinion and political engagement. Such prominence provides them a platform to advocate for social and political causes that resonate with their fans and followers.
"Individuals look up to professional athletes because their identity is tied to those athletes," continued Wilkinson, underlining how fans often emulate their favorite players. When athletes use their platforms to express political opinions or call for civic engagement, it can significantly motivate fans to take action, such as voting or participating in protests.
Athletes like Steph Curry and Dana White exemplify the blurred lines between sports and politics, as they take active roles in the political landscape ahead of the 2024 US election. Their public endorsements reflect a growing trend where athletes leverage their visibility to influence and engage the public in political discourse, especially during critical election periods.
"If I'm a huge basketball fan, I live in this city, follow a particular player and look to them because they're so cool and wonderful. Them telling me that this is important means I'm more likely to do it," Wilkinson suggests how athletes' endorsements can translate into increased civic involvement among their fans, demonstrating their potential to mobilize voters.
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