Donald Trump's NFL comments could galvanize players' protest plans in Week 3

Lindsay H. Jones | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Trump: 'Get that son-of-a-b**** off the field' While in Huntsville, Alabama, President Trump said, 'Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'get that son-of-a-b**** off the field right now, out. He's fired.''

President Donald Trump spoke of stamping out NFL players' protests during the national anthem, but his comments at a Friday night rally and subsequent tweets on Saturday could end up amplifying the number of demonstrations before Sunday's games.

“It’s going to happen. I am so interested to see what’s going to happen tomorrow. This has sent ripples throughout the league,” former NFL player and current political activist Donte’ Stallworth told USA TODAY Sports. “The only way to stop a bully is to stand up and show him you can’t bully me. If you are going to try to bully me, there is going to be push back. I’m glad players have been tweeting about it and speaking up about it. But it has to go further than tweets.”

During his comments at a Huntsville, Ala. rally Friday night, Trump singled out former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for protesting during the national anthem last season. But a handful of NFL players have continued some form of silent protest for social justice during the 2017 season, even as Kaepernick remains unemployed.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters are among those that have chosen to sit, and several players, including Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and Los Angeles Rams linebacker Robert Quinn, have raised a fist. A group of about a dozen Cleveland Browns players knelt in prayer during the anthem before a preseason game in August.

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But in the wake of Trump’s comments aimed directly at NFL players, there are signs the protests could grow or become more organized.

ESPN reported Saturday that Buffalo Bills players were so “emotional” after hearing the president’s remarks that players were considering various forms of protest and would discuss at a team meeting on Saturday.

Other current and former players suggested similar on Twitter.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver DeSean Jackson wrote he "definitely will be making a statement," though he did not provide further details.

Chiefs receiver Chris Conley, who has not previously protested, wrote: “When will people learn that fear won’t make someone sit down. It quite possibly will make more stand up for what they believe in.”

“Stick to sports boy... Sit down and do what your told. Say or do something we don’t like and your fired” Well I hate to break it to ya... — Chris Conley (@_flight17_) September 23, 2017

When will people learn that fear won’t make someone sit down. It quite possibly will make more stand up for what they believe in. — Chris Conley (@_flight17_) September 23, 2017

Former Houston Texans and Denver Broncos tight end Owen Daniels, who is white, tweeted that “Everyone should take a knee this Sunday and Monday.”

Everyone should take a knee this Sunday and Monday. — Owen Daniels (@owendaniels) September 23, 2017

One current NFL agent told USA TODAY Sports he had texted all of his clients on Saturday regarding potential protests, encouraging them to do so if they desired. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

To Stallworth, there were clear racial undertones to Trump’s comments on Friday, in which he called protesting players “sons of [expletives],” and NFL players are hearing that message and it could serve to galvanize a movement.

“It’s more of a bullhorn, and again, I don’t know why we continue to act surprised. From day one, he’s shown us who he is, and what his ideologies are,” Stallworth said. “I’d like to see players continue to condemn him. Don’t even make it about him, make it about people who think like him.”

Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.

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