AUSTIN, Texas -- It started last week when a group of Texas football players gathered on campus and marched together to the Texas State Capitol. 

“Just to know that we support black lives matter as a team and show unity is really important,” said Texas safety Caden Sterns.

“It felt really good to be a part of something and support my teammates like that,” said Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger.

That protest was just the beginning, earlier this week those players talked about the next steps in the fight for racial equality.

“I’ve been trying to listen and hear our guys out,” says Ehlinger.

“Have conversations, be open-minded and open your heart,” says Sterns. “Nothing is going to be done if there is no unity regardless of color, religion or background you come from.”

Being a football player at the University of Texas brings with a level of notoriety and platform to speak. These guys are taking advantage of that right now.

“To not use if to help society and help my community that would be a failure to me,” says Sterns.

Now a group of athletes are taking that voice and asking for change from the University. On Friday they released a statement asking for some major changes.

Here is what that statement says: