HOUSTON – More players around the NFL are showing their support for Colin Kaepernick's attempt to raise awareness about the rash of killings in the United States.
Houston Texans offensive lineman Duane Brown showed his support when he raised his fist during the national anthem prior to the Texans game against the Patriots.
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"We’ve been clear as an organization that our expectation for the Houston Texans is that we stand for the national anthem," Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said on Friday after the game.
"This team has a long history of supporting our veterans, active military and our first responders. This support has been evident since the inception of the franchise. I understand that there is a lot going on in this country right now and that we all have strong opinions about it," O'Brien continued. "Duane Brown expressed himself during the anthem, which is his right. It is his right of free speech. It’s his right to do what he did during the anthem last night. I support his individual right to do that."
Brown has been with the Texans since the team selected him in the first round of the 2008. He's the longest-tenured member of the team.
Last week, Brown explained some of his thoughts on the country's current issues and the awareness that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has attempted to shine a light on with his kneeling during the anthem.
“I understand what’s going on. I’ve backed him in their stance in what they’re aiming to do," Brown said. "The conversations that they’ve made happen is well-needed. For me, I have similar issues but I just went about it a different way. But I understand what they’re doing.”
Brown added, "I think it’s been good. The great thing about this country is you have the right to do what you want you want to do. Obviously you’re going to have people that agree with it, you’re going to have people that disagree with it. The thing that it was sought out to do was bring about a discussion, and I think they’ve done that.”