From California to Washington state, NFL players are steadily standing in solidarity with San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick’s protest of the national anthem.
According to the Seattle Times, cornerback Jeremy Lane, receiver Doug Baldwin, and linebacker Bobby Wagner are also considering protesting the national anthem at their season opener on Sept. 11, and their Seahawks teammates might do the same.
“Anything we want to do, it’s not going to be individual. It’s going to be a team thing,” Wagner said. “That’s what the world needs to see. The world needs to see people coming together versus being individuals.” Baldwin also added that during locker room breaks, the Seahawks have discussed joining in on the demonstration.
Baldwin, a six-year veteran, applauded his fellow military personnel for supporting Kaepernick’s decision. “My grandfather being in the military, it hit home for me as well, and specifically it’s the veterans,” he said. “That’s more heartening to me than anything is the veterans that have reached out and said that’s what they fought for, that’s what they sacrificed their lives for, is to give people back home under the flag, under this country, the opportunity to stand up or sit for what they believe in.”
He also highlighted the gravity of Sept. 11 and what it means to the definition of unity today.
“Even if it wasn’t September 11 the point of the protest is to get people to think,” he said. “I think it’s very ironic to me that 15 years ago on Sept.11 was one of the most devastating times in U.S .history and after that day we were probably the most unified that we have ever been. And today we struggle to see the unity. And it’s very ironic to me that this date is coming up. So it’s going to be a special day, a very significant day, but at the same time I am looking forward to the may changes and differences, the changes we can make in this country to make better changes in our country.”
The Seahawks are set to host the Miami Dolphins on their home turf on Sunday.