Pro Football Sunday turned into a controversial day for many when several NFL teams decided to stay in their locker rooms during the National Anthem on Sept. 24, 2017.
The Seattle Seahawks, the Tennessee Titans and The Pittsburgh Steelers stood clear of the field during the National Anthem and locally, only Julius Peppers stayed behind.
Ten players from the Panthers opponents, The New Orleans Saints, sat on the bench during the anthem.
All other Panthers players stood on the sidelines.
The peaceful protests came a day after President Trump tweeted that NFL players who don't stand for the National Anthem should be fired.
After the game, Julius Peppers made a statement on his decision.
“I want to get one thing clear: This wasn’t about disrespecting the military, disrespecting the police, first responders – none of that," Peppers told reporters after the 34-13 loss.
"It was about me making a decision as a man on my two feet. I didn’t want to ask anybody else to do anything with me. I thought it was appropriate to stay in. We know what went on this week; the comments that were made by the President. I felt like he attacked our brothers – my brothers in the league. I felt it was appropriate to stand up with them and stay in the locker room.
"I know a lot of people might not understand it. A lot of people might be upset about it. And that’s fine. I’m not living my life trying to make everybody happy. I’m doing things that I feel are right and things that I believe in. There are only a few times in a man’s life where you have a chance to stand up for something that you believe in and make a statement. Today I thought that was that chance, and I took it.”
Other sports leagues are taking notice, with some NASCAR owners saying they'll fire drivers who kneel during the National Anthem, including Richard Petty and Richard Childress.
(Photo: Getty Images)