Report: NFL to play Black national anthem and 'Star-Spangled Banner' in Week 1
If Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season gets underway this fall amid the coronavirus pandemic, players will hear a pair of songs while on fields before kickoffs.
On Thursday, Jason Reid of ESPN's The Undefeated reported that the NFL plans to play both "Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing," which is often referred to as the Black national anthem, before the "Star-Spangled Banner" ahead of all Week 1 games.
Following the killing of George Floyd on May 25, players around the NFL have frequently and publicly commented on matters such as police violence, racism, and social justice.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees apologized after he earned criticism from figures throughout the sports world for saying those who don't stand during the national anthem are disrespecting the flag and the United States.
It's expected players from every team will kneel or perform some type of protest during the "Star-Spangled Banner" this season:
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick made that demonstration famous when he knelt before games during the 2016 campaign. Kaepernick hasn't played in the league since, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and President Donald Trump have both backed a team signing the signal-caller this summer.
Last month, Goodell apologized for not adequately listening to players about matters such as racism.
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