Falcons stand, 3 Dolphins skip anthem
The Falcons and the Dolphins stood for the national anthem before kickoff on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Most of the Falcons locked arms. Ten players did not lock arms, but stood alone with hands after the chest. The players electing to stand alone included tight end Levine Toilolo, linebacker Jordan Tripp, guard Andy Levitre, center Alex Mack, long snapper Josh Harris, left tackle Jake Matthews, punter Matt Bosher, kicker Matt Bryant, tackle Ty Sambrailo and fullback Derrick Coleman.
Three Dolphins stayed in the locker and ran onto the field after the anthem was played. Miami tight end Julius Thomas, safety Michael Thomas and wide receiver Kenny Stills stayed in the locker room.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
