NFL Players Handle Anthem In Many Different Ways

I've been avoiding talking about Kaepernick situation and everything for many reasons. To say race relations across the country are strong right now would be a flat out lie. I can't lie at first, I was pissed off at Kaepernick, but as time has passed I understand what he was trying to do. Now while I disagree with some things he's said and done, overall I respect his major theme that there needs to be change. Because I do think there needs to be a lot of changes, but this blog isn't about my views on Kap. It's about all the different gestures players across the league demonstrated. I just think it's important to respect and show love for America. Let it not be mistaken, despite our flaws we are the greatest nation on earth. On the 15th anniversary of one of the darkest moments in our nation's history it is vital to show respect and honor all those who lost their lives that day, and since fighting for our freedom. 


First I want to start with the Seattle Seahawks. One of my least favorite teams in the NFL. Despite that, I absolutely love what they did yesterday. 

Video of the #Seahawks standing arm in arm (beneath the flag in this view) during the national anthem. pic.twitter.com/KWWx5sxdnt

— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) September 11, 2016

Instead of disrespecting the flag by sitting or taking a knee, the Seahawks stood and showed respect while at the same time making a statement. The team locked arms, black and white united to show strength and unity, not just as a team but also as a nation. I loved this. Brothers in arms, doesn't matter who you are, or where you're from, it's men teaming up together for a common goal. That really is what America is built on.
We are all in this together, as Americans. 

I always feel like I have to walk on eggshells talking about race, mainly because I'm a middle class white guy from Rhode Island but this move was amazing. I could be totally wrong here but this is how I feel personally, and hopefully there are others that have similar thoughts. I may joke about racial stereotypes, but that's because they're funny, and I hate when people get so easily offended but at the end of the day I have no issues with anybody strictly based on race. There are millions of great people in this country; white, black, brown, red, purple, blue it doesn't matter.

We need to do what I do and hate the shitty people. There are tons of shitty black people, but guess what there are tons of shitty white people too. Those are the people I hate. Those are the ones who people are angry at. I hate the black people that make our nation unsafe. I hate the white people who do the same thing. Whether it's shootings in a bad neighborhood, nightclub, movie theater, mall or a school it all needs to fucking stop. But the media will skew things to make us hate each other. Obviously I think it's terrible the police are killing innocent people, but we cannot let a few bad people ruin the good name of our law enforcement. I'd say like at least 95% of police officers are good people that just want to keep their areas safe and go home. They all went into law enforcement for the right reasons. There are men and women of all religions, backgrounds and races protecting us we cannot lump all cops in as bad people, THAT is stereotyping and extremely hypocritical of those claiming they feel oppressed. 

The Kansas City Chiefs came back from a 17 point deficit to beat the Chargers yesterday, and they also locked arms in unity during the anthem. 

CB Marcus Peters partook in the movement with his team and also held up a fist in solidarity with Kaepernick. I have no issue with this move at all and respect Peters for his decision, he spoke more about what he did after the game. These men across the NFL are using their platform to express their voice and have the rights to do so in America. That is what makes us different from other countries. 

JJ Watt of the Houston Texans helped hold the American Flag during the National Anthem. 

That brings us my favorite team, the New England Patriots. Playing on Sunday Night Football, the nationally televised game of the week, Patriots @ Cardinals, in a match up of each league's runner-up from 2015. Many called it a Super Bowl preview. Emotions were running wild during a powerful rendition of the Anthem by Kristin Chenoweth.

The Patriots had black players(Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty) standing, while also raising a fist in unity. Very Powerful.

And WR Danny Amendola, like many other players across the league helped hold the flag.

Overall I think it was a very cool day across the NFL to see many different players, white and black expressing their views, patriotism, unity, and disdain all at the same time. It's what America is all about, I think it's cool to see the real human sides of these guys we just watch play a game. Social changes still need to be made in this nation and if these guys can help make a positive change in our great nation then I am all for that.