Seattle is famous for the 12th Man. Could it also become known for 53 Men Kneeling?
This week, two influential members of the Seahawks hinted toward making a team-wide gesture during the national anthem, following Colin Kaepernick’s controversial lead.
According to the Seattle Times, Pro Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner said the Seahawks have discussed joining in a group protest before Seattle’s season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 11.
“Anything we want to do, it’s not going to be individual,” Wagner said. “That’s what the world needs to see. The world needs to see people coming together versus being individuals.”
On Thursday, Seattle wide receiver Doug Baldwin confirmed on Twitter the team is planning a sweeping “demonstration of unity” prior to kickoff.
“To express a desire to bring people together,” Baldwin tweeted. “Our team will honor the country and flag in a pregame demonstration of unity.”
Kaepernick refused to stand during the national anthem before NFL preseason games to protest injustices against people of color. Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane joined the San Francisco 49ers quarterback by sitting out the anthem prior to the final preseason game last Thursday.