Former Army Ranger and current Pittsburgh Steelers player Alejandro Villanueva told the media he’s embarrassed over the fact he stood alone during the national anthem prior to Sunday’s game in Chicago.

Villanueva was the only player to stand during the anthem Sunday against the Bears. The rest of his team waited in the tunnel.

Tribune-Review reporter Chris Adamski tweeted out several quotes the former Ranger gave to reporters on Monday.

“Every single time I see that picture of me standing by myself, I feel embarrassed,” he told the media.

Alejandro Villaneuva: “Every single time I see that picture of me standing by myself, I feel embarrassed.” — Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) September 25, 2017

The offensive tackle also told reporters, “I made coach Tomlin look bad, and that is my fault and my fault only. I made my teammates look bad, and that is my fault…only.”

Villenueva:”I made coach Tomlin look bad, and that is my fault and my fault only. I made my teammates look bad, and that is my fault…only” — Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) September 25, 2017

Villanueva also claimed his presence for the anthem wasn’t initially intended, but he felt he couldn’t leave the field once the anthem had started.

Villenueva asked Ben after Sat night meeting if he could be out in front with captains. Agreed to. — Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) September 25, 2017

Villenueva turned around when the Bears fan flag came in, he looked back to his teammates,then the anthem started. He couldn’t walk out then — Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) September 25, 2017

This is a crazy turn of events because it kind of derails the narrative that Villenueva felt like he had to be out there for the anthem while the rest of his team refused. Instead, it seems like it’s more an accident that he was alone during the anthem and initially intended to remain with his team in the tunnel.

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