Dallas Cowboys try for middle ground in national anthem protests

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Members of the Dallas Cowboys link arms before the National Anthem at the start of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Members of the Dallas Cowboys link arms before the National Anthem at the start of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Week 3 of the 2017 NFL season was headlined by protests during the national anthem, but the Dallas Cowboys attempted to find the middle ground

The Dallas Cowboys prevailed and secured a 28-17 triumphant win over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. However, America’s Team made perhaps its most profound move of the night when Cowboys players, coaches, and staff members alike (including owner Jerry Jones) linked arms and knelt down on the field before the performance of the national anthem.

The team then stood up with arms still linked and remained standing during the performance, a move that many people might argue defeats the purpose of the movement as it does not protest the anthem.

Yet, it was a move that redirects our focus to the real cause: drawing attention to and creating a constructive dialogue on racial injustice and police brutality. Furthermore, it reminds us that although we may not all have the same views on matters such as these, as U.S. citizens w have the Constitutional rights to have those different opinions and to express them freely.

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The Cowboys didn’t protest during the national anthem. However, by collectively kneeling beforehand, they recognized the importance of others who kneel, expressed support to them and demonstrated that they respect the rights that we have to protest and express our views in a peaceful manner.

Perhaps expressed more clearly than this was the importance of equality, unity and solidarity. The Cowboys knelt as a team and stood as a team. Call it what you may, but the fact that the team put aside individuals goals and made this decision speaks volumes.

President Donald Trump’s comments advocating that NFL owners fire any player that protests during the national anthem were inflammatory. Subsequently, players around the league kneeling in protest angered the other side of the debate. The Cowboys, however, tried to find the middle ground.

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We’ve seen the turmoil and lives destroyed because of cultural divides, war and bad people. There’s no need to have horrific history repeat itself. There’s strength in numbers. And as the NFL slogan reads, together we make football. Kudos to the Dallas Cowboys for reminding us that together we can accomplish even more.