After Donald Trump called NFL players who protest during the national anthem “sons of bitches” and disinvited NBA star Steph Curry from the White House, we knew there might be a spike in athlete activism Sunday. But it was impossible to predict just how dramatically and decisively the NFL would rise up against Trump and in support of racial justice.
Following a barrage of supportive statements from team owners, numerous players either knelt, locked arms or raised their fists during the national anthem Sunday. It was the widest demonstration since Colin Kaepernick first made headlines protesting during the anthem last fall.
Here’s something close to a full list of the pregame protests that swept the NFL on Sunday:
Jaguars vs. Ravens
Across the pond in London, the Jaguars and Ravens got the day started with mass protests on both sidelines. Several dozen players (along with former Raven Ray Lewis) knelt during the national anthem, as others either stood nearby or locked arms in a sign of unity.
https://twitter.com/ShaunKing/status/911953232817262592
Jaguars owner Shad Khan, the only Muslim owner in the NFL, stood on the sideline and locked arms with several players in solidarity.
Steelers vs. Bears
Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin told CBS before the game his team would not stand on the field during the national anthem, whether to make a statement or to dodge the kneeling controversy.
It turns out there was one Steelers player on the field, veteran Alejandro Villanueva.
https://twitter.com/PoliticalShort/status/912017695587000320
On the other sideline, Bears players stood arm in arm.
Patriots vs. Texans
A group of Patriots players knelt during the national anthem.
Another group, including Tom Brady, locked arms.
Here’s what wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who comes from a family of veterans, had to say about the protest.
The Texans stood with arms locked.
Saints vs. Panthers
The Panthers did not seem to protest in any noticeable way.
Quarterback Cam Newton did speak out about Trump postgame, however.
A collection of Saints players, meanwhile, sat during the anthem.
https://twitter.com/MichaelDeMocker/status/911999622398259200
And wide receiver Brandon Coleman raised a fist after scoring a touchdown.
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/912013532216070146
Falcons vs. Lions
Two Falcons players knelt during the national anthem, as did eight Lions counterparts.
Detroit’s anthem singer got in on the protests, taking a knee and raising a fist when the song was over.
Giants vs. Eagles
Philadelphia players, along with owner Jeffrey Lurie, stood arm in arm, and several others raised their fists as well. A couple New York players knelt or supported those who were kneeling.
https://twitter.com/TomNamako/status/911999035279585280
Odell Beckham Jr. raised his first after a fourth-quarter touchdown.
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/912038725827383296
Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison explained his reason for protesting on Twitter.
Later, Eagles defensive back Malcolm Jenkins called Trump a “troll.”
Dolphins vs. Jets
Some Dolphins players wore “#IMWITHKAP” t-shirts during warm-ups.
A few Dolphins knelt during the anthem, while others locked arms.
The #Dolphins locked arms as a team & five members of the team – including 4 starters – took knelt during the national anthem. pic.twitter.com/kDFGa2igKc
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) September 24, 2017
Dolphins safety Michael Thomas got emotional talking about Trump after the game.
The Jets locked arms.
Buccaneers vs. Vikings
Two of the Bucs’ biggest names, Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson, knelt during the anthem on Sunday.
Here’s Jackson talking about his decision afterward:
Video: Bucs WR DeSean Jackson talks about his decision to kneel in protest during national anthem in Minnesota today. pic.twitter.com/U3ufP30ecK
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 24, 2017
On the other sideline, the Vikings locked arms.
#Vikings owners/players arm in arm for the National Anthem. @kare11 pic.twitter.com/clXazIjfCf
— Brandon McCauley (@bpmccauley) September 24, 2017
Browns vs. Colts
Cleveland had a whole bunch of players taking a knee.
The Colts also had a large contingent of protesting players.
Here's a fuller look at the Colts who knelt during today's national anthem. Photo via Brian Spurlock @usatsimg. pic.twitter.com/859O7LihT3
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) September 24, 2017
Broncos vs. Bills
The Broncos had maybe the most players kneeling of any team. The group included Von Miller, who became arguably the most accomplished player to protest in this way.
After the game, Miller called Trump’s comments “an attack on the National Football League.”
#Broncos @VonMiller said felt Trump's words were an assault on @NFL @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/PMzfspsqFc
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) September 24, 2017
Numerous Bills players knelt as well.
Many #Bills kneeled during the national anthem, including Marcell Dareus & Jordan Matthews @WKBW pic.twitter.com/GplBsLSesw
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) September 24, 2017
Buffalo running back LeSean McCoy simply continued stretching, as if nothing were going on.
LeSean McCoy stretches during the national anthem. Video courtesy @JennaCottrell @WKBW @13WHAM #Bills pic.twitter.com/2tT4NmdoD8
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) September 24, 2017
Seahawks vs. Titans
The Seahawks have announced they will not take the field for the national anthem as protest against “the injustice that has plagued people of color in this country.”
— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) September 24, 2017
Seattle’s opponent, the Tennessee Titans, will also stay in the locker room during the anthem.
Statement from #Titans organization on Titans vs. Seahawks national anthem. https://t.co/DPTG14HDoO
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) September 24, 2017
The field was entirely barren of players.
Both the Titans & the Seahawks choose not to be on sidelines during today's National Anthem (
by @PJFOX17) pic.twitter.com/3m7nuImgju — Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 24, 2017
The anthem singer took a knee after the song.
Thank you @meghanlinsey for this move. Taking a knee after singing the anthem at Seahawks-Titans. pic.twitter.com/ipnwx0nCUZ
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) September 24, 2017
Chargers vs. Chiefs
One Chargers player knelt, while others sat on the bench during the anthem. The rest of the roster locked arms.
The Chargers locking arms during the national anthem. Melvin Ingram took a knee. Other players sat down. pic.twitter.com/V5ldQKfVq9
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) September 24, 2017
Chargers D-linemen Chris McCain, Darius Philon, Brandon Mebane, Damion Square and Tenny Palepoi all sat on the Chargers bench during anthem
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) September 24, 2017
Several Chiefs players including Justin Houston and Travis Kelce knelt or sat, either on the bench or on the sideline.
Beautiful photo of Justin Houston kneeling during the anthem while several Kansas City Chiefs teammates take a knee in the background. pic.twitter.com/RUqqq0Hcqr
— Adam Best (@adamcbest) September 24, 2017
#Chiefs’ Travis Kelce taking a knee during the national anthem. pic.twitter.com/sb4arsL2sM
— TOM MARTIN (@TwoCirclesTom) September 24, 2017
Packers vs. Bengals
Martellus Bennett was among the Packers players to sit or kneel during the anthem. Others stood arm in arm.
Most #Packers stand linking arms during anthem. T. Montgomery kneels on sideline, L. Kendricks, K. King and M. Bennett all sit pic.twitter.com/INnIlf8MBj
— Chris Barriere (@chrisbarriereTV) September 24, 2017
Some Bengals locked arms, but none appeared to kneel.
Some Cincinnati @Bengals lock arms during national anthem in the wake of comments from President Donald Trump pic.twitter.com/16qGCw2Uzs
— WCPO 9 (@WCPO) September 24, 2017
Raiders vs. Redskins
A few Redskins players including Jamison Crowder took a knee. The rest of the team locked arms, including owner Daniel Snyder. The Redskins tweeted a statement right after the anthem.
https://twitter.com/DylansFreshTake/status/912112550115971080
Washington owner Dan Snyder linked arms with players during the national anthem. pic.twitter.com/2ct2vnYdKt
— SB Nation (@SBNation) September 25, 2017
A statement from the Washington Redskins. pic.twitter.com/GsCMfWTZ7T
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 25, 2017
Almost every member of the Raiders sat on the bench during the anthem. One notable person standing was quarterback Derek Carr. Owner Mark Davis was in a suite standing with his hand over his heart.
Raiders players sat and linked arms during the national anthem. pic.twitter.com/X0i44H65cN
— SB Nation (@SBNation) September 25, 2017
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