Washington Redskins lineman Arie Kouandjio realized a dream Tuesday by becoming a naturalized American citizen with 44 other immigrants at Washington D.C.’s Department of Labor Headquarters.
Kouandjio emigrated from Cameroon with his family when he was 6. He attended private schools with his brother and played football for Alabama before being drafted into the NFL before the 2015 season. His brother, a player for the Buffalo Bills, is also pursuing citizenship.
At a time when so many in the NFL are showing disdain by kneeling during the pledge and national anthem, Kouandjio is unabashed in his delight over becoming an official part of the U.S. He told The Washington Post he is excited to be able to participate in politics and vote.
“Before, all I could do is just watch CNN or just watch Fox or just watch; I wasn’t a participating member in all decisions. I [still] can’t be president, which is something that I’ve always wanted to do, but I can do other things, so it’s awesome,” he said. Kouandjio has a masters degree in economics.
Asked about the current NFL controversy over players refusing to salute the flag or stand for the national anthem, Kouandjio takes a balanced approach. “It’s these people’s right to do so,” Kouandjio said, AL.com reported. “I just kind of really hope they’re doing it for the right reasons in their heart. ... If they are doing it for real thought-out reasons they have in their hearts, then let’s talk about it.”
He was proud to hold his little flag during the citizenship ceremony as he recited the pledge and the Oath of Allegiance to his new country.
“It means a lot to be going through this and be able to call myself and American,” he said, AL.com reported.
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