GLENDALE, Ariz. – Given the events that have unfolded all across the NFL during Week 3, all eyes were on the Cowboys on Monday night – and not just because of their game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Protests over racial inequality, centered on the national anthem, cropped up across the league on Sunday, following comments made by President Donald Trump on Friday night. In light of incendiary comments made by the President, players on every team in the NFL opted to demonstrate during the anthem. Some teams, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks, opted not to take the field at all during what has become a pregame tradition.
For their part, the Cowboys opted for a display of team unity across the entire organization. With Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones front and center, the full Jones Family joined the Cowboys' coaching staff and players in linking arms down the length of the field.
In the moments before the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," the full organization briefly dropped to one knee together. After several seconds, they stood and retreated to the sideline for the national anthem.
It was a demonstration unlike any of the others seen across the league over the week, and it was in keeping with the Cowboys' comments on the issue. Both Jones and Cowboys coach Jason Garrett have said in the past that they believe in the sanctity of the American flag. The decision allowed the Cowboys to make a team statement on the issue – albeit not during the anthem itself.
Win or lose, the demonstration will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation following the Cowboys' game against the Cardinals.
