Former Minnesota Vikings captain Jack Brewer expressed concern for his family, stating they feel metaphorically “held hostage” by Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota who permit transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. Recently, the state missed a deadline set by the Trump administration to prohibit such participation. Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison pointed to the ongoing government shutdown in explaining the lack of a meaningful response to the Title IX mandate.
Brewer, who has deep roots in Minnesota—including nieces, nephews, and cousins involved in local high school sports—characterized the state’s policies on transgender athletes as “dark and diabolical.” He shared, “I have little relatives with athletic aspirations and friends who coach. They’re facing these troubling laws, and I feel compelled to speak out for them.” Brewer lamented that it’s a troubling situation for families raising children amid these policies.
In late September, the Trump administration indicated that Minnesota’s current stance violates Title IX, referencing a contentious incident where a transgender pitcher led a girls’ high school team to a state championship. Examples of transgender athletes competing in various women’s sports in Minnesota were also noted.
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched lawsuits against institutions in other states for similar issues. With the government shutdown, further action against Minnesota may follow once operations resume. “President Trump is right to demand that men stay out of women’s sports,” Brewer stated. He advocated for cutting federal funding to Minnesota, calling it an embarrassment on a national level.
In response to these developments, many Minnesota school board members have voiced their support for a letter urging the state to comply with Trump’s executive order. As of midweek, 280 school boards from 113 districts joined in, highlighting concerns about girls’ safety and privacy alongside the risk of lost federal funding. Brewer accused Ellison and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of disregarding this collective sentiment.
The former player expressed, “There are numerous school board members opposing this yet the governor and attorney general are pushing their own agenda on those who don’t support it.” He insisted that Minnesota has become a focal point for this contentious issue and stressed the need for change.
Brewer also referenced his Christian faith to explain his viewpoint. “The Bible addresses these matters,” he noted, adding that the nation should not endorse what he views as moral deviations that harm children.
Ellison, responding to the call for a ban on biological males in girls’ sports, argued that allowing transgender students to participate does not cause harm, contrary to claims that depict the practice as dangerous. He expressed concern about potential funding cuts to schools due to federal pressures and noted that this matter is currently being litigated, asserting that the federal stance is unconstitutional.
Additionally, Ellison has taken legal action against the Trump administration regarding efforts to enforce women’s sports policies. FOX News Digital has reached out to both Ellison and Walz’s offices for their comments on Brewer’s statements.
