After the national anthem was played, the Falcons and the New Orleans Saints held hands in a circle in a powerful display of unity before the nationally televised game.

Saints coach Sean Payton reached out to Falcons coach Dan Quinn with the idea, according to ESPN.

It was deemed a great way by the rivals to join the national protest against racial injustice and police brutality in America while still respecting the anthem.

Both teams held a reflective period for about one minute.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. throws the ball during warm-ups before the Atlanta Falcons and Caroline Panthers on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC