Seattle Seahawks Who Protested the National Anthem
The Seattle Seahawks have been deemed one of the most unpatriotic teams in the NFL. In week 3, the entire team decided in unity (no unity with the fans) to stay in the locker room and boycotted the National Anthem. After the National Anthem concluded, they then came out to the field and were rightfully showered with boos from the fans. Therefore in unity, the entire Seattle Seahawks roster shall be included in this list for protesting the National Anthem.
Offense:
Defense:
Special Teams:
WEEK 17:
For the last game of the regular season, Michael Bennett, Jarran Reed, Frank Clark, Sheldon Richardson, Marcus Smith II, Quinnton Jefferson, Branden Jackson, Dion Jordan, and Paul Dawson once again remained seated and refused to stand for the National Antehm. Duane Brown kneeled in protest.
WEEK 16:
Michael Bennett, Jarran Reed, Cliff Avril, Frank Clark, Sheldon Richardson, Marcus Smith II, Quinnton Jefferson, Branden Jackson, Nazair Jones, Dion Jordan, and Paul Dawson once again remained seated and refused to stand for the National Antehm. Duane Brown kneeled in protest.
WEEK 15:
Michael Bennett, Jarran Reed, Cliff Avril, Frank Clark, Sheldon Richardson, Marcus Smith II, Quinnton Jefferson, Branden Jackson, Nazair Jones, Dion Jordan, and Paul Dawson remained seated and refused to stand for the National Antehm. Paul Dawson is a new practice-squad call-up. Duane Brown kneeled in protest.
WEEK 14:
Michael Bennett, Jarran Reed, Cliff Avril, Frank Clark, Sheldon Richardson, Marcus Smith II, Quinnton Jefferson, Branden Jackson and Dion Jordan remained seated and refused to stand for the National Antehm. Duane Brown kneeled in protest.
Fun Fact: In their game against the Jaguars, the Seahawks showed unsportsmen-like conduct. Michael Bennett ignited a fight at the end of the game after the Jaguars won. Sheldon Richardson was ejected for throwing punches. On the next play when the Jaguars were going to kneel with the ball, Quinton Jefferson tried to rip it away and was ejected as well. Jefferson later tried fighting with the fans after they threw drinks down on the field. These 3 seahawks players have refused to respect the National Anthem and American flag all season long.
WEEK 13:
Michael Bennett, Jarran Reed, Cliff Avril, Frank Clark, Sheldon Richardson, Marcus Smith II, Quinnton Jefferson and Dion Jordan remained seated and refused to stand for the National Antehm. Duane Brown kneeled in protest.
WEEK 12:
After a few weeks of standing for the National Anthem, some Seattle Seahawks players resumed protesting: Michael Bennett, Jarran Reed, Cliff Avril, Frank Clark, Sheldon Richardson, Marcus Smith II, Nazair Jones, Quinnton Jefferson and Dion Jordan remained seated and refused to stand for the National Antehm. Duane Brown and Branden Jackson kneeled.
WEEK 9:
New Offensive Left Tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, Duane Brown kneeled during the National Antehm. A number of Seahawks on the Defense also protested the National Anthem by remaining seated: Michael Bennett, Jarran Reed, Cliff Avril, Frank Clark, Sheldon Richardson, Marcus Smith II, Quinnton Jefferson and Branden Jackson all sat on the bench for the Anthem.
WEEK 8:
A number of Seahawks protested the National Anthem: Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Frank Clark, Sheldon Richardson, Marcus Smith II, Nazair Jones, Quinnton Jefferson and Branden Jackson all sat for the Anthem. Michael Wilhoite kneeled.
WEEK 7:
9 Seahawks protested the National Anthem: Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Frank Clark, Sheldon Richardson, Marcus Smith II, Nazair Jones, Quinnton Jefferson and Branden Jackson all sat for the Anthem. Michael Wilhoite kneeled. Justin Britt put his hand on Bennett's shoulder and Oday Aboushi put his hand on Jone's shoulder - both in support of the protests.
WEEK 4:
8 players from the Seattle Seahawks defense side sat on the bench, refusing to rise for the National Anthem in protest: Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, Frank Clark, Jarran Reed, Sheldon Richardson, Marcus Smith II, Nazair Jones, Garrison Smith, and Michael Wilhoite. Unlike the previous week when the entire Seattle Seahawks team unanimously boycotted the National Anthem, most of the team stood for the anthem in week 4.
WEEK 3:
The entire Seattle Seahawks team and everyone on the list above, boycotted the National Anthem during their game against the Tennessee Titans. The Seahawks remained in the locker room until the conclusion of the National Anthem, as did the entire Tennessee Titans team.
The Seahawks released a statement: "As a team, we have decided we will not participate in the national anthem. We will not stand for the injustice that has plagued people of color in this country. Out of love for our country and in honor of the sacrifices made on our behalf, we unite to oppose those that would deny our most basic freedoms. We remain committed in continuing to work towards equality and justice for all." The Seahawks clearly believe that they united to oppose those what would deny our freedom - by refusing to stand and honor those who fought and died for our nation and freedoms (a nation that the Seahawks organization summarily believes is a nation of injustice).
This large week 3 protest was in response to President Donald Trump's criticism of those who refuse to stand for the National Anthem. Trump and most Americans believe the protests during the National Anthem are both disrespectful to the nation and to those who fought and died for our freedom throughout history.
WEEK 2:
For the second week in a row, Michael Bennett remained seated and refused to stand for the National Anthem. Chris Avril, and this time Frank Clark, both sat down in support of Bennett during the later half of the the anthem.
WEEK 1:
Michael Bennett remained seated and refused to stand for the National Anthem. Chris Avril sat down in support of Bennett during the later half of the the anthem.
