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 cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. (left) fights for the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ryan Miller watches during the second half of an NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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