when did nfl start standing for the anthem
U.S. national anthem protests (2016–present) It is a tradition in the United States to play The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem, before sporting events.[6] Those present are expected to stand at attention with right hand over heart.[7][8][9] National Football League (NFL) players were not mandated to be on the field for the playing of the national anthem until 2009.[10] It is also noteworthy this tradition did not acquire prominence as an official act until the twenty-first century. The NFL has stated that "players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem"; its game operations manual reads that players "should stand" for the anthem.[11]
Billy Brown (actor) Voices for the Marines commercials.[8]
Alonso Álvarez de Pineda
U.S. national anthem protests (2016–present) Kaepernick began sitting during the national anthem at the start of the 2016 NFL preseason. His actions went unnoticed for two weeks before he was questioned by the media.[41] In the 49ers' final 2016 preseason game on September 1, 2016, after talking to Boyer, Kaepernick opted to kneel during the U.S. national anthem rather than sit as he did in their previous games. He explained his decision to switch was an attempt to show more respect to former and current U.S. military members while still protesting during the anthem. Reid joined Kaepernick in kneeling during the national anthem during the final preseason game.[42] Seattle Seahawks player Jeremy Lane also did not stand for the anthem during his final preseason game the same day, stating, "It's something I plan to keep on doing until justice is being served."[43]