The Carolina Panthers appeared to be one of the only teams, if not the only one, that didn't protest Sunday following Donald Trump's comments against NFL anthem protesters over the weekend. However, one man was missing from the sidelines.
Julius Peppers decided to stay in the locker room during the playing of the national anthem. The Panthers veteran later explained he meant no disrespect to first responders or military members, rather stating it was about "making a decision as a man on my two feet."
"I thought it was appropriate to stay in (the locker room)," Peppers told reporters after Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints. "We know what went on this week with the comments that were made by the president, and I felt like he attacked our brothers - my brothers, in the league. I felt like it was appropriate to stand up with them and stay in the locker room."
None of the Panthers who were on the field took a knee, raised a fist, or linked arms during the anthem.
Head coach Ron Rivera said he told players Saturday night that he felt they should stand for the anthem, according to the Observer's Jourdan Rodrigue.
Peppers said he felt it was important to take a stance.
"I know a lot of people might not understand it. A lot of people might be upset about it and that's fine," said Peppers. "I'm doing things that I feel are right, things that I believe in.
"There's only a few times in a man's life where you have a chance to stand up for something that you believe in and make a statement. So today, I thought that was that chance and I took it."
