Tennessee Titans' Delanie Walker said he's received a lot of backlash including death threats regarding his recent statement on the ongoing national anthem protests.
Dozens of NFL players have taken a knee in the last year in protest of the police shootings of several African Americans in different cities across the country. The protest reached its peak last Sunday when almost every team either knelt or locked arms in response to President Trump's criticism of the act.
During a rally, he said team owners should fire players for taking a knee during the anthem.
"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, you'd say, `Get that son of a b**** off the field right now. Out! He's fired," Trump said.
In response, the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks skipped the national anthem at Nissan Stadium.
Titans' Delanie Walker was among a few who gave a response to the action saying the protest wasn't about the troops but rather about injustices in America.
Walker then took to Instagram saying again how much he respected the troops as he participated in the NFL's USO tour. But he also expressed his heartbreak on the many threats he's received in response to his statement.
Below is his post:
The Tennessee Titans fans are the best in the NFL. What we do on the field every Sunday would mean nothing without knowing we are supported by the city of Nashville and the fans that have been by our side over the years.
One of the many things I gained from spending time in the Middle East on the NFL’s USO Tour this spring, is an appreciation for America’s core values and an even greater appreciation for the men and women that defend those values. In being asked about our team’s decision on Sunday to stay in the locker room for the National Anthem, I used strong words to defend our right to make our own choices. Both my choice to spark dialogue for positive change and the fans’ choice to attend our games. It’s that freedom of choice that makes our democracy the envy of many around the world.
The death threats that my family and I have received since my comments are heartbreaking. The racist and violent words directed at me and my son only serve as another reminder that our country remains divided and full of hateful rhetoric. These words of hate will only fuel me in my efforts to continue my work reaching out to different community groups, listening to opposing voices, and honoring the men and women in the Armed Forces who risk their lives every day so that we may have this dialogue.
I am proud to represent the many faces of Titans fans and believe that only through a more respectful discourse can we achieves the goals of unity, peace and racial equality that I know we all strive for.Titan Up
