Is The National Anthem Being Played At Nfl Games?

The national anthem is often played at sporting events, but is it being played at NFL games? Let’s take a look at the history of the national anthem and how it’s being used today.

Introduction

Since 2016, the playing of the national anthem before NFL games has been a source of controversy. Some players have chosen to kneel during the anthem as a form of protest against police brutality and racial inequality, while others have stood in support of the flag and the country. The issue came to a head in 2017 when President Donald Trump denounced kneeling players as “sons of bitches” and called for them to be fired. In 2018, the NFL implemented a new policy requiring all players on the field to stand for the anthem, but allowed players to stay in the locker room if they wished. The policy was met with criticism from players and organizations, and was dropped just days later. As of 2019, there is no NFL policy on the national anthem, and it remains a controversial issue among players, fans, and politicians.

What Is The National Anthem?

The national anthem of the United States is “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was composed by Francis Scott Key in 1814 and has been played at U.S. sporting events since the early 20th century. NFL games have traditionally begun with the national anthem being played, but this tradition has come under scrutiny in recent years.

Critics argue that playing the national anthem at sporting events is a form of patriotism that is forced upon viewers, and they believe that it should be optional whether or not to stand and listen to the song. Supporters of the tradition say that it is a way to show respect for the country, and they believe that those who do not stand for the anthem are being disrespectful.

The issue came to a head in 2016 when then-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest against police violence and racial inequality in the United States. This sparked a nationwide debate about whether or not it was appropriate to kneel during the national anthem, and many NFL players joined Kaepernick in protesting during the 2017 season.

As of 2018, the NFL has not changed its policy on playing the national anthem before games. However, the league has stated that it is “looking into” changing its policy, and some individual teams have stopped playing the anthem before their games altogether. It remains to be seen what changes, if any, will be made to this tradition in the future.

What Is The NFL?

The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league consisting of 32 teams, divided equally between the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). The NFL is one of the four major professional sports leagues in North America, and the highest professional level of American football in the world.

The National Anthem And The NFL

The National Anthem has been a part of the NFL for many years. It is played before every game, and players are typically seen standing at attention on the sidelines. However, there has been some controversy in recent years about whether or not the National Anthem should be played at NFL games.

Some people argue that the National Anthem is a sign of patriotism and respect for the country, and it should be played at all public events. Others argue that the National Anthem is a symbol of racism and oppression, and it should not be played at NFL games or any other public event.

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It is up to each individual to decide whether or not they think the National Anthem should be played at NFL games.

Why Play The National Anthem At NFL Games?

The practice of playing the national anthem before NFL games began in 2009, when the league’s chief operating officer, Roger Goodell, said the pre-game ritual “reflects our country’s unique and dramatic journey.”

Since then, the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” has become a controversial tradition. Some believe it is a patriotic display that unites the nation. Others see it as a political statement that is out of place at a sporting event.

In 2016, then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked a national debate by kneeling during the anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality. The following year, President Donald Trump called for NFL owners to fire players who kneeled during the anthem.

The issue came to a head again in 2020 when several players opted out of playing in the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among them was Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller, who said he did not want to risk his health by playing during the pandemic. When asked if he would kneel for the anthem this season, Miller said he would “take that discussion one day at a time.”

As of right now, it is unclear if the national anthem will be played at NFL games this season.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that the national anthem is not being played at NFL games as much as it used to be. This could be for a number of reasons, including players choosing to protest during the anthem, or the league trying to avoid political controversy. Whatever the reason, it does seem like the national anthem is becoming less and less common at NFL games.