FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — A chorus of boos nearly drowned out the Star-Spangled Banner at Gillette Stadium Sunday as 17 players took a knee to protest during the national anthem.
MORE: 17 Patriots take a knee during national anthem
Teams across the NFL took part in a protest with as many as 100 players taking a knee, and three teams refused to leave the locker room entirely.
Those who didn't kneel during the Patriots game Sunday against the Houston Texans, including quarterback Tom Brady, locked arms in a show of support.
About a dozen #patriots #TakeAKnee & #patsfans boo #Texans all stood locked arms @boston25 @Bos25Sports @JacquiHeinrich @TomLeyden pic.twitter.com/r8niLLn39S
— Butch Stearns (@ButchStearns) September 24, 2017
The entire Houston team stood, locking arms.
MORE: Tom Brady posts message of 'unity' ahead of Texans game
This all stems from quarterback Colin Kapernick’s decision last season to start kneeling in what he originally described as a protest against police shooting and killing black Americans.
Pats owner Robert Kraft responds to President Trump's attack on players who protest during National Anthem. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/vtiVvCBw1A
— Jason Law (@JasonLawNews) September 24, 2017
The protest prompted major backlash, and no NFL team has signed Kapernick this season.
As more players started taking knees this season, Pres. Donald Trump joined in on their condemnation and at a rally Friday said the players were a “son of a bitch” and said they should be fired.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a statement over the weekend expressing deep concern about Trump’s tone, supporting players’ rights to peacefully express themselves.
Trump then had words for Kraft.
If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
...our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
“He has to take his ideas and go with what he wants,” Trump said about Kraft. “I think it’s very disrespectful to our country. I think it’s very disrespectful to our flag. I like Bob very much. He’s my friend. He gave me a Super Bowl ring a month ago, right? So he’s a good friend of mine. But, and I want him to do what he wants to do, but we have a great country. We have great people representing our country, especially our soldiers, our first responders and they should be treated with respect.”
Brady was able to connect with Brandin Cooks for a 25-yard touchdown pass with 23 seconds left in Sunday's game. It was his fifth touchdown throw of the game, and the Patriots were able to rally to beat the Texans 36-33.
Cox Media Group