Several teams, searching for a way to avoid the vitriolic controversy over patriotism and respect for the flag, stayed in the locker room during the playing of the national anthem and the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing,’’ known as the Black national anthem, which the N.F.L. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson stood with his arms around two coaches to form a triangle, their heads bowed. On the opening kickoff, players on both teams stood in place as the Falcons let the ball go out of bounds for a touchback. Then every player briefly took a knee, a display of unity coordinated by Wilson and Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. The Falcons earlier named John Lewis, the civil rights icon and congressman who died in July, as their honorary captain.

Source: New York Times September 13, 2020 18:11 UTC