Every New England Patriots player stood during the national anthem Sunday night at University of Phoenix Stadium, but tight end Martellus Bennett and safety Devin McCourty did use the moment to make a statement.
NBC cameras showed Bennett and McCourty with their right hands raised in fists following the conclusion of the anthem.
Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty kept their fists in the air after the anthem. pic.twitter.com/VoPWkipGbl
— Rich Hill (@PP_Rich_Hill) September 12, 2016
The players’ gesture came before New England’s Week 1 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters also raised a fist during “The Star-Spangled Banner” earlier in the day, and members of the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins made their own anthem protests, too.