Atlanta Falcons: Why Grady Jarrett Knelt on Sunday

The Atlanta Falcons were just one of many teams that had a display of unity on Sunday in response to the President’s comments. The team linked arms before the game with two noticeable players choosing to kneel.

The Atlanta Falcons squeaked out a win on a Sunday where the focus primarily was not on football.  To be clear this article is neither a defense nor a disagreement with Grady Jarrett’s position that he chose on Sunday. Rather to explain why he knelt from his point of view.

Grady Jarrett was joined by new addition to the Falcons Dontari Poe in kneeling on Sunday. The two players became the first Falcons to kneel during the anthem and will likely not be the last with the rejuvenated protests after the President’s attack on the NFL.

Poe had this to say when asked about the protest:   “My spirit moved me in a way and it was on my mind,” Jarrett said. “It was on my mind man, and … it is so awesome because having the support of your brothers and support of an organization like this, this has been, this is truly a blessing. It’s truly a blessing. And I’m just thankful.”

Dontari Poe spoke to the media as well making it clear that he was protesting racial injustice and inequality and not the flag of the military.  Saying this after the game:

“I know people (who are serving),” Poe said. “I have girl friend who’s in the Air Force. She’s in the reserves now. I’m not disrespecting that at all. I wouldn’t disrespect her like that. At the same time, I felt it wasn’t disrespecting the flag, but I was just standing up for what I believe in.”

While he may not of knelt during the anthem Adrian Clayborn was vocal against the President’s comments as was Falcon’s owner Arthur Blank who donated to Trump’s campaign.

While the player’s opinions may be considered valid on both sides of the argument it is hard to see the owners choosing a side only after President Trump has told them what to do with their money.

Next: Braves Off-season Targets

Regardless of where you fall on this issue if you are a NFL fan this may only be the start as the League continues to protest during the anthem and use their platforms to speak out on what they believe.