Earlier today, it was reported that the all of the Pittsburgh Steelers players would remain in the locker room while the national anthem played prior to the start of their away game with the Chicago Bears. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin explained that the team wouldn’t participate because he didn’t want to force players to choose whether or not to take part in a protest.
While the Star Spangled Banner played ahead of the contest today, all of the players did indeed stay in the locker room — except for one. Afghanistan veteran, former Army Ranger, and West Point graduate, US Army Captain, Army Ranger, and Bronze Star Recepient Alejandro Villanueva stood at the tunnel entrance while the song was played, standing with his hand on his heart. While the rest of the players remained inside, Tomlin was seen on the sideline.
After the anthem was done, the rest of the team came running out of the tunnel, to a chorus of boos from the Chicago crowd.
They are cheering him at West Point, that's for sure.
God bless him!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you Alejandro Villanueva and thank you for your service in Afghanistan fighting America's enemies and in Chicago for fighting America's enemies!
ReplyDeleteGorges and Bogside, I second that. I don't watch the NFL anymore. Not even my formerly beloved Steelers. At least I have one of the players on the team to look up to...............
ReplyDeleteI wonder if he's aware that, as a military veteran, even in civilian clothes, he's now permitted to render a military "Present Arms!" salute, instead of the civilian custom of placing the hand over the heart?
ReplyDeleteBoth, the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs published that announcement several years ago.
I did not know that, so thanks for posting that bit of news!
Deletethat's a MAN.
ReplyDelete....and a patriot. God bless and protect him.
At 6'9" and 300# + and a Ranger, he could have stood anywhere he wanted in that stadium.
ReplyDeleteAnd, today he is forced to issue an apology......
ReplyDelete