Narduzzi responds to kicker's anthem protest: 'We're going to stick together'

Pittsburgh kicker Ian Troost chose to kneel for the national anthem prior to Saturday's game against N.C. State, and head coach Pat Narduzzi supported that decision following the contest.

“I'm never going to tell a guy you can't do something,” Narduzzi said, according to Jerry DiPaola of Tribune Total Media.

"I know I'm going to stand and put my hand over my heart.”

Troost's decision to kneel was met in the moment with support from one particular teammate, as offensive tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith stood behind him and placed his hand on Troost's shoulder. Senior cornerback Avonte Maddox also vouched for Troost, saying he has "100 percent" support for him.

Narduzzi echoed those sentiments post-game, praising his team for a sense of unity on such a hot-button topic.

"What we've talked about is, if you're going to do that, you're trying to make a statement, we're going to stick together,” Narduzzi said. “Someone had his hand on his shoulder saying, 'We're with you.' ''