Nelson Mandela isn't an easy person to categorize in a short headline. The New York Times called him a dissident, liberator and statesman.
The first black president of South Africa died Thursday at the age of 95, sparking a worldwide mourning that few others could inspire. Mandela, who emancipated his country from white minority rule, had a worldwide impact that went far beyond politics. (Including a deep connection with soccer.)
Many members of the NFL community expressed their thoughts and condolences after Mandela died Thursday: