The Steelers’ Villanueva Stands for the National Anthem Against Coach’s Wishes, Surprises Team

By Nancy Flory Published on September 25, 2017

The Steelers’ starting left tackle and former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva emerged from Soldier Field’s tunnel and stood for the national anthem. It wasn’t just that he was the only teammate to do so, but that he defied his coach. Villanueva’s decision to stand at the national anthem also surprised some of his teammates.

Early Sunday, Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin told CBS Sports that the Steelers would remain in the locker room while the national anthem was played. He added that the team would not be divided by anything said by anyone. While he supported players to do what they felt they needed to do, he also stipulated that “…whatever we do we’re going to do 100 percent, we’re going to do together.” Tomlin said that “we were gonna be respectful of our football team,” and felt Villanueva was not, reported Fox News.

In a Saturday’s player-only meeting, players voted on what to do during the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner. They decided to stay inside the locker room, but some disagreed what Villanueva would do. Defensive end Cam Heyward said he supported Villanueva’s decision. “…[W]e support our guy Al. He feels he had to do it. This guy served our country and we thank him for it.” Linebacker James Harrison said he didn’t think Villanueva was exempt from the decision. “We thought we were all in attention with the same agreement, obviously,” said Harrison. “But, I guess we weren’t.” After the game Tomlin said, “Like I said, I was looking for 100 percent participation….”

Villanueva served three tours of duty in Afghanistan and received a Bronze Star for valor. He’s also been vocal about former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling during the national anthem. Back in 2016, Villanueva told ESPN that, “I don’t know if the most effective way is to sit down during the national anthem with a country that’s providing you freedom, providing you $16 million a year…when there are black minorities that are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan for less than $20,000 a year.” 

Following Villanueva’s decision to salute the flag and stand for the national anthem, sales for his jersey went through the roof, reported The Daily Caller. On Fanatics.com, Villanueva’s jersey was the highest-selling jersey out of the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was sixth in sales across the league.

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