All season long Lions QB Matt Stafford has been kneeling for the national anthem and has spoken about his reasoning to kneel several times this year as well.
Matthew Stafford for the @PlayersTribune
📰 https://t.co/2lGQXjbJDy pic.twitter.com/FzTtLoPJU3
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 18, 2020
Here’s Stafford talking about kneeling during the first game of the season.
Via Fox News
“Obviously, it’s been an amazing offseason for me personally, for our team, for a lot of people,” Stafford said. “There’s been a great opportunity for growth and learning and understanding, and just felt like it was the right thing for me, as certain guys on our team felt like the right thing was standing, certain guys felt like the right thing for them was being in the locker room. We support each other. We know where everybody stands in our locker room. We love each other and support each other and that’s that.”
Despite his previous comments, fans were still surprised to see Stafford kneel during the anthem during the Lions Thanksgiving day game.
Matthew Stafford and Deshaun Watson kneel for anthem pic.twitter.com/V1DPgu5YCh
— StreetHistory Videos (@streethistory) November 26, 2020
Wow! Matt Stafford kneeling for the anthem on #Thanksgiving2020
— Rich Kingston (@RichKingston73) November 26, 2020
I know there are very few but those of you who are following me or anyone else who sees this tweet. I just sat down to watch the oldest Thanksgiving tradition in the NFL. I turned it off a moment later. Matt Stafford took a knee for the national anthem. So screw it!
— Grady Dixon (@GradyDixon6) November 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/LucasWCorley/status/1332014472651808772
And lots of us immediately turned the tv off.
— Nickleby (@Nbell3) November 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/OtkowskiSteve/status/1332019818510249987
https://twitter.com/RTide69/status/1332019595948023809