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Carr wanted to display unity with 'best friend' Mack during anthem

Kelley L Cox / USA TODAY Sports

Derek Carr says his decision to place his hand on Oakland Raiders teammate Khalil Mack's shoulder during the national anthem Saturday wasn't a protest but a display of unity intended to promote racial inclusiveness.

"Obviously, we're not protesting. You know, we're not doing anything like that," Carr said after the game, according to Mark Hinog of SBNation. "What we wanted to do is show all the kids that look up to me, look up to him, that white kids, black kids, brown kids, blue, green, doesn't matter, can all be loving to each other. And that's what me and Khalil are, we're best friends and we love one another.

"So, the only reason we did that is to unify people, and to unify the people that look up to us, because obviously, we see what's going on in the world, and obviously, everyone pays attention to the national anthem nowadays. And so, we just said, 'Well obviously, this is the best time to do it,' while still honoring our country, because I love this country more than anything.

"We're free to live here and play this game, but we're also free to show each other that we love one another, and I think that that's the message, and that's the only message we were trying to get out."

Mack said he and Carr planned the display beforehand and echoed his pivot's sentiments about their motivation.

"Different races can get along, you know what I'm saying?" said Mack. "White, black, whatever you are ... we can get along and be friends and do all those different things, and just show unity. Show togetherness."

Carr and Mack entered the league together in 2014, and have not only developed into close friends but are the crux of the Raiders' revival and future Super Bowl hopes.

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