Competing football teams take a knee during anthem in protest of Trump

Trump's divisive comments on Saturday incite mass protest among NFL players

Published September 24, 2017 2:59PM (EDT)

 (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
(AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

At least 100 NFL players participated in a protest during the pre-game national anthems on Sunday. Their demonstrations and acts of free speech come a day after President Donald Trump called on players to be "fired" for "disrespecting the flag."

The noon eastern time kickoff games saw an incredible display of solidarity. Some players knelt, others locked arms, all seemed to be cognizant of the callous remarks from the president.

One team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, did not participate in the national anthem, opting instead to remain in their locker room while "The Star-Spangled Banner" played. Steeler offensive tackle and former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva did step on the field to honor the anthem.

While the NFL was unified against the president, Trump tweeted Sunday that some of the demonstrations were "good," but he still insisted that kneeling was "not acceptable."

Athletes were not the only ones protesting on Sunday. The performer of the national anthem for the Detroit Lions-Atlanta Falcons game took a knee as he finished his rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

One NFL front office source told CNN's Brian Stelter, "If Trump thought he could divide the NFL, he was wrong." Colin Kaepernick still is without a team, however.


By Taylor Link

MORE FROM Taylor Link


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Donald Trump Nfl Police Brutality Protests Sports