NFL PLAYERS OFFER PROTESTS TO CRITICS OF “TAKING THE KNEE”

Pittsburgh Steelers Alejandro Villanueva stands in the tunnel during the National Anthem Sunday, September 24, 2017, at Soldier Field Chicago. (Peter Diana/Post-Gazette)
New Orleans Saints players sit on the bench during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Members of the Cleveland Browns take a knee during the National Anthem before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Members of the Indianapolis Colts take a knee during the nation anthem before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oakland Athletics’ Mark Canha (20) places his hand on the shoulder of Bruce Maxwell as Maxwell takes a knee during the national anthem prior to a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Denver Broncos tight end Virgil Green (85) gestures as teammate Max Garcia, left, takes a knee during the playing of the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram knees in protest during the National Anthem before an NFL football game against the against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Detroit Lions defensive end Armonty Bryant (97), defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson (91) and defensive end Cornelius Washington (90) take a knee during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Buffalo Bills players take a knee during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)