Most football fans surely have an opinion on the players that have thus far taken a knee during the National Anthem, but how about the people in control of those players’ careers?
After four Miami Dolphins elected to kneel during the anthem ahead of their game on 9/11 against the Seahawks, team owner Steven Ross allegedly came to his players’ defenses, going up to them and asking what he can do to help their cause.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wasn’t going to allow himself to even get into that position on September 11th.
Before their game against the Giants on Sunday, Jones reportedly went into his team’s locker room and looked around at all the young men and addressed them as a group:
“Regardless of your personal opinions, this is a sacred day that we recognize the sacrifice and pain that so many have endured. When the National Anthem is played by a lone trumpet player in a few minutes you WILL stand and you WILL put your hand over your hearts.” Jerry waited a second and made eye contact with several players to make sure his words had sunk in. He knew he had there undivided attention and proceeded. “You gentlemen are world class athletes, but you are also actors. You perform on a stage that is 100 yards long. Today, you play the role of a patriotic super hero. You will play this role well because you know that millions of children will be watching and looking at your example.” Then his inner fire started to shine through as he said quietly “but most of all I want you to remember, you are the actors, but this is MY stage and you will play the role I tell you to.”
