All NFL Players Stood For The National Anthem This Weekend To Make Powerful Point
All NFL Players Stood For The National Anthem This Weekend To Make Powerful Point
<p>Players all agreed to suspend the protest for one day.</p>
By Chet DawsonUpdated April 28 2021, 4:50 p.m. ET
In honor of Veterans Day on Saturday, the NFL Players Association voted unanimously to hold a moment of silence during Sunday's games to honor those who have served.
As a result, the long-standing protest against racial inequality and police brutality was largely suspended over the Veterans Day weekend, with only three players kneeling before games. It was a big moment that showed that players are united in their attempts to highlight the issues that exist in America especially for people of color who are victims everyday to senseless brutality at the hands of the police forces.
Even Titans receiver Rishard Matthews, who previously had participated in the protests, walked on field holding hands with soldiers and stood for the anthem. It was a very powerful moment for NFL players and showed the nation what they're really trying to do.
Rishard Matthews said he joined teammates on sideline for national anthem because he wanted to make it clear protest is not about military. #Titans #SaluteToSerivce
— Jason Wolf (@JasonWolf) November 12, 2017WR @_RMatthews running out with members of the Army during introductions. #SaluteToService 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/OQsbXbM9RR
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) November 12, 2017The moment of silence was part of a larger #SalutetoService campaign by the NFL to show their support for the military after many had accused protesting players of criticism of our service members. In reality, it wasn't the message the players were trying to send at all with their protests in the previous week. They wanted to highlight the problems they face without disrespecting others, and many Veterans have come out in support of this movement.
“I will say this right now ... you saved my life.”@VetsandPlayers is a team that changes — and saves — lives.#SaluteToService pic.twitter.com/tB5fZmRjij
— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2017This Veterans Day, we remember those who have served this great country.
Thank you.#SaluteToService pic.twitter.com/81DMy9Oze3
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) November 11, 2017Today we thank all those who have served our country. 🇺🇸#VeteransDay #SaluteToService pic.twitter.com/3QVD8USyzm
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) November 11, 2017Keep tweeting!
NFL will donate $5 to military non-profit partners for each tweet using #SaluteToService!
MORE: https://t.co/0n2pN9uPlL pic.twitter.com/j8tqFl95OK
— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2017To show their support, the NFL invited members of the military to join players on the field.
A moment @Derek_Wolfe95 and his brother-in-law will never forget.#SaluteToService pic.twitter.com/xz9ANKaPyG
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 13, 2017Leading the team is our strength and conditioning intern and a Purple Heart Recipient, Sean Karpf.#SaluteToService#LACvsJAX pic.twitter.com/xCdFvbwmkF
— #Sacksonville (@Jaguars) November 12, 2017Big shout out to Josh Norman (@J_No24) for showing respect to members of the United States military. The NFL needs more young men like him. pic.twitter.com/yku6x3ZM6a
— Ryan Saavedra 🇺🇸 (@RealSaavedra) November 12, 2017It was also a time to honor fallen heroes.
Capt. Tiffany Burns died six days before her 29th birthday.
This Sunday, Robert Alford will wear her initials.#SaluteToService pic.twitter.com/WXXcLghuGT
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 11, 2017While some felt the move was just a stunt...
all for a photo op and then the kneeling will commence again after Vets Day.
— lara eisenberg (@KeyWestLara) November 12, 2017So if effect this is an attempt by the NFL to buy their way out of the situation and or the damage they have created. Seems a little to late. Money isn’t going to change the minds of the Americans offended. NFL continue to demonstrate disrespect. Nothing has changed.
— svart räv - Jäger (@fox77_k) November 13, 2017Others were grateful for the gesture of support for the military.
Very touching and God bless each and every vet, active or retired. WE WILL ALWAYS Love and respect u!!! 🇺🇸❤️
— mt (@kowbyfan) November 12, 2017Heart felt thank you to the sacrifices our veterans past, present & future have made, and will continue to make for us. These sacrifices allow us our way of life, our freedoms! God Bless our Veterans!
— Steve Gladson (@GladsonSteven) November 12, 2017Right wing organizations have called for a boycott of the NFL over players' protests. Despite the threats, NFL attendance actually over this weekend.
H/T: The Hill
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