NFL Teams and Players Display Unity in Anthem Protest

A graduate of the University
of Tenessee, Judy C. Morelock
earned both a bachelor's and master's
degree in sociology.

Judy C. Morelock is a retired professor who, throughout her 30-year career, earned numerous awards for her teaching abilities. While working at Knoxville College, Judy C. Morelock served as head of the sociology department and taught courses on subjects such as race and ethnicity, American society, and the history of civil rights.

Since former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem before a game last year, those subjects have been the focal point prior to the kickoff of many National Football League (NFL) games. Earlier this season, several players began taking a knee or locking arms during the anthem in support of Kaepernick and his message of racial equality and civility. However, following President Donald Trump's remarks on Twitter about how team owners should fire players who don't stand for the anthem, the league seemingly took a widespread stance on the issue.

Players from every team in the league either kneeled or locked arms in a sign of unity in response to Trump's comments. Kaepernick's original intention was to draw attention to the treatment of African Americans by police officers, but even players and officers joined together to lock arms in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans opted to remain in the locker room during the anthem. Some owners participated in the show of unity, while others, including Texans' chairman Robert McNair, called Trump's comments divisive.