MINNEAPOLIS, MN — With all eyes locked on the NFL amidst a politically charged weekend for sports, every player of the Minnesota Vikings at Sunday's game in U.S. Bank Stadium appeared to lock arms while standing during the national anthem. The move looked to show solidarity with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and other players protesting the anthem while not partaking in the protest itself.

Ahead of the game, owners Zygi and Mark Wilf "and the entire Wilf family" released the following statement: Professional sports offer a platform unlike any other, a platform that can bring people from a variety of backgrounds together to impact positive change in our society. As owners, it is our job to foster an environment that recognizes and appreciates diversity of thought and encourages using this platform in a constructive manner. Rather than make divisive statements, we believe in promoting thoughtful, inspiring conversation that unifies our communities. We are proud of our players, coaches and staff for the important role they play in our community, and we fully support their constitutional right to respectfully and peacefully express their beliefs. At least two players on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers knelt down, with others standing and locking arms.

Minnesota Vikings Harrison Smith locked arms with GM Rick Spielman, owners Mark Wilf & Zygi Wilf during the National Anthem. pic.twitter.com/kXili7ANKJ

— Carlos Gonzalez (@CarlosGphoto) 24 September 2017 Less than 48 hours after President Trump said NFL players who kneel during the national anthem should be fired, players at the league's first Sunday game protested in far larger numbers than usual and a backlash grew across the sports world. In London, where the Baltimore Ravens were playing the Jacksonville Jaguars, a couple dozen players took a knee during the playing of the national anthem. Jacksonville's owner, Shahid Khan, stood in a line shoulder-to-shoulder with his players, all of their arms interlocked in solidarity. Ravens coach John Harbaugh did the same.



Back in the U.S., the Pittsburgh Steelers said they would skip the national anthem altogether, remaining in their locker room for a private ceremony related to the flag. Read on: Players Defy Trump, Kneel At League's Game In London