NFL Replay Man Spotted With Card on Hat Calling Out Anthem Protesters

A detailed view of an NFL shield logo. (Mark Cunningham/Detroit Lions/Getty Images)

An NFL replay man apparently wore a sign on his hat to protest against NFL players taking knees during the playing of the U.S. national anthem.

In the second half between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Jets, the officials were reviewing a fumble by the Jets Bilal Powell.

The unnamed replay man, with the maroon hat, can be seen with a card taped to the back of his hat that reads: “I will always stand.” It’s referring to standing for the national anthem—a major point of controversy around the league this season.

The NFL has not issued a statement on the matter.

Only a few players during the Sunday games protested during the national anthem.

According to ESPN: “The number of 49ers kneeling during the anthem dropped from four to two on Sunday as safety Eric Reid and wide receiver Marquise Goodwin knelt in protest of racial inequality in the country. Wide receiver Louis Murphy held up his right fist during the anthem in his first game since re-signing with the team this week.”

“In other games Sunday, Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon continued to kneel during the anthem and inactive Rams linebacker Robert Quinn put his right fist in the air. Punter Johnny Hekker put his arm around Quinn as a show of support, as usual,” the ESPN report said.

The NFL Players Association had asked all players to observe a two-minute moment of silence before games to honor veterans. It, however, didn’t make it mandatory, according to a recent statement.

The NFL and NFLPA issued a statement on Saturday, about Veterans Day, according to the Washington Times in a report on Saturday, Nov. 11.

The NFL and NFLPA said on Saturday, “There has been no change in the current policy regarding the anthem,” saying NFL players “should” stand for “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It, however, doesn’t make a requirement for them to stand, the Times reported.

Roger Goodell and NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said they’ll discuss social matters next week.

“Today owners and players had a productive meeting focused on how we can work together to promote positive social change and address inequality in our communities. NFL executives and owners joined NFLPA executives and player leaders to review and discuss plans to utilize our platform to promote equality and effectuate positive change. We agreed that these are common issues and pledged to meet again to continue this work together,” a statement reads, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The protests were started by ex-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who said they’re intended to raise awareness about police brutality and racism.