Last weekend, both Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch and Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett sat during the national anthem prior to their respective games. Before that, it was former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who took a knee during the anthem, a year ago around this time.
On Thursday night, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Rob Brooks, who was inactive for the Eagles’ second preseason game, followed in their footsteps as he was seen kneeling during the national anthem. (H/T to Prescott Rossi of WROC-TV)
Eagles CB Ron Brooks kneels during the national anthem. Brooks also played for the Bills from 2012-2015. @News_8 pic.twitter.com/UIagupIdTB
— Prescott Rossi (@PrescottRossi) August 18, 2017
However, Brooks was not the only Eagles player, who made a statement before tonight’s game. During the playing of the national anthem, safety Malcolm Jenkins was seen raising his fist in the air, while defensive end Chris Long was seen placing his hand on Jenkins’ shoulder.
Via @AP_Images, here's a look at Chris Long putting his arm around Malcolm Jenkins during the national anthem. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/5Xd3Pzpan5
— Aaron Kasinitz (@AaronKazreports) August 17, 2017
This is not the first time that Brooks nor Jenkins have silently protested before a game. Throughout last season, both players raised their fists in silence.
Although it was great to see Brooks’ kneeling, it was powerful to see Long stand with Jenkins showing unity. The last few days in the United States have been rough with the violence that ensued in Charlottesville, Virginia last weekend due to a white nationalist rally.
Hopefully, we will see more players around the league continue this movement that started with Kaepernick. The more players that join in, the stronger and powerful the message will become.
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