In a show of support for 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, two Patriots players raised their fists to call for social justice, just one of the protests from around the league.
On Sept. 11, NFL players took a moment to pause to honor freedom, while attempting to raise awareness, and that included some of the Patriots.
Martellus Bennet and Devin McCourty raised their fists when the national anthem finished before Sunday night’s showdown between the Patriots and the Cardinals.
“The leaders and help change the country,” Bennett said “We love this country but it doesn’t mean we can’t improve it. and as national football league players, we have a platform and just like many of us have different charities and do different things in the NFL.”
Bennett’s brother, Michael, and all 53 Seattle Seahawks players stood with their arms locked in a show of solidarity.
“We have guys’ backs,” Bennett said. “My brother, the Seahawks, they showed things, they intertwined.”
The controversy started in the pre-season, when Kaepernick refused to stand during the anthem, protesting what he called police brutality and racial injustice.
Bennett said Sunday took on a different atmosphere.
“It’s Sept. 11, and with everything that has been going on with the history of 9/11, 15 years ago, and where were at that time, and everyone who was affected, we all were at that period of time, and it still lingers over us.”
During the national anthem, teammate Danny Amendola was seen clutching the American flag unfurled on the field in Arizona.
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