Not everyone is excited about the latest wave of National Anthem protestors — and one NFL player’s wife is speaking out. Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford wife Kelly made her opinion on the matter loud and clear in an Instagram post this week.
Former San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick started the trend of not standing for the Anthem last year, after racial tensions heated in the United States. Now, Seattle Seahawks’ Michael Bennett has chosen not to stand so the issue is back in the spotlight, but don’t expect people to remain silent on the issue.
Kelly Stafford wrote:
“If you think the country can be better, stand for the ideal. If you think the answer is people showing unity, stand with them. The anthem is not the national police song. The anthem is not the national racists song. The anthem is an exercise in how this country can endure and rise, how we can agree on its future potential, even while struggling with its present.
The anthem’s words depict a flag that is suffering through bombs and rockets. You could easily view those bombs and rockets as the challenges our democracy faces today, and the flag a symbol of rising above them.” -Mitch Albom
Stafford said she was hesitant to post her message, but felt like she should. Hours after the post went up — and many people had responded, she posted a followed up message saying: “I truly meant no disrespect with my last post. If you know me personally, you know I love (mostly) everyone and I try to be as open as possible!”
She mentioned that some of the comments had “opened her eyes” and people would keep the discussion going. There were mixed reactions in the comments section — some praising her boldness, others disagreeing respectfully (some not so much.)
The important thing is that Stafford does have the freedom to express her opinion — and NFL players have the freedom to sit during the Anthem if they so choose.