Nate Boyer on Kaepernick

[Chris Flanagan]

Nate Boyer wrote an Op-Ed in Army Times.

The article has some raw emotions: 

The only time I got to stand on the sideline for the anthem was during my one and only NFL preseason game, against the Denver Broncos. As I ran out of the tunnel with the American flag I could feel myself swelling with pride, and as I stood on the sideline with my hand on my heart as the anthem began, that swelling burst into tears. 

I thought about how far I’d come and the men I’d fought alongside who didn’t make it back. I thought about those overseas who were risking their lives at that very moment. I selfishly thought about what I had sacrificed to get to where I was, and while I knew I had little to no chance of making the Seahawks’ roster as a 34-year-old rookie, I was trying.   

That moment meant so much more to me than even playing in the game did, and to be honest, if I had noticed my teammate sitting on the bench, it would have really hurt me. 

But then he adds:

Even though my initial reaction to your protest was one of anger, I’m trying to listen to what you’re saying and why you’re doing it. When I told my mom about this article, she cautioned me that “the last thing our country needed right now was more hate.†As usual, she’s right.  

There are already plenty [of] people fighting fire with fire, and it’s just not helping anyone or anything. So I’m just going to keep listening, with an open mind.I look forward to the day you’re inspired to once again stand during our national anthem. I’ll be standing right there next to you. Keep on trying … De Oppresso Liber. 

I might not be objective, but Nate Boyer is one of my favorite Longhorns. He's so aware of his presence and his intelligence and demeanor is awe inspiring. He could have easily gone to anger, yet he is using his platform to bring people down from their anger, put their swords away and find solutions. If I become half the man Nate Boyer is, I'll die happy. 

 

[Huskie1]

What a great example of of an American, Longhorn, and man.

God Bless Nate and all our men and women serving.

 

[echeese]

Here are Rashad Jennings thoughts, he's the one who organized the Giants "pro-National anthem" display.

Rashad Jennings, a black athlete who plays for the NFL’s New York Giants channeled Douglass in his support for the national anthem and the American flag. He told the New York Daily News, “It’s nice to know that we live in a country where sitting down during the anthem won’t land you in jail or worse.â€

Jennings said he was proud to stand for the song and continued to explain why he supports the values contained in its verses:



I figure if it was the intention of our Founding Fathers to keep America a nation of slaves, then it wouldn’t have chosen a song where all four verses end with ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave’ instead of ‘land of the free, home of the slave.’

 

[dillohorn]

Kaepernick.  Just one more reason to not watch the NFL.

 

[tejasrulz]

I quit watching pro sports years ago and don't miss it at all. The exception is I will watch pro golf occasionally.

 

[Juan]

— Twitter API (@twitterapi) November 7, 2011

 

[Juan]

— Twitter API (@twitterapi) November 7, 2011

 

[dillohorn]

Kaepernick..............an rich entitled narcissist playing football in a league full of criminal thugs. He should move to a nice place like Cuba. College football was here before the NFL and will be here long after the NFL.  

 

[hookemhorb]

My dad used to say to people trying to drag him into a political fight - "I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it". Those who fought for us tend to have a different vision than those who take our freedom for granted.