All the Falcons stood during the singing of the national anthem before facing the Philadelphia Eagles in the regular-season opener on Thursday.

Most of the players had their hands over the chests.

All of the Eagles stood, but near the end of song, Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett went to the bench, sat down and appeared to be tying his shoes.

Over several seasons, players around the NFL have knelt during the national anthem to protest racial and social injustices in the country.

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jamal Agnew fumbles the ball against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Adam Hunger/AP)

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