JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Football players sending political messages by boycotting the national anthem has many fans worried that patriotism and pride are under attack.
Many think football isn't supposed to be political, saying it's supposed to get people's minds off those issues. But recently, it's been a platform for some players to take a stance on the world today, and it's struck a nerve with local veterans.
Kneeling and bowing their heads, more than a dozen Cleveland Browns players formed a circle on the team's sideline Monday night and prayed in silent protest during the national anthem.
The group, which included veterans, rookies, starters and backups, gathered in front of some water coolers and behind their teammates who stood on the sideline shortly before the Browns hosted the New York Giants.
"It was just us getting together, bunch of teammates, praying for the world," said safety Jabrill Peppers.
In the aftermath of the recent racially charged conflict in Charlottesville, the Browns felt compelled to use their platform to make a difference.
"I wanted to take the opportunity with my teammates during the anthem to pray for our country," said tight end Seth DeValve, one of two white players to participate. "And also to draw attention to the fact that we have work to do. And that's why I did what I did."
The protest was the largest so far in a social-consciousness movement started last season by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who became a polarizing figure for kneeling during the anthem and is currently out of the NFL.
Speculation has been swirling that the Jacksonville Jaguars could be interested in the controversial quarterback.
Jacksonville veteran Dave Seamans said Tuesday -- 12 years since his son Timothy was killed in Iraq -- that the protests are upsetting.
"I think it is very prima donna. I think they forget what the flag stands for," Seamans said.
He said he believes the football stars are forgetting about the military members who are serving and have served -- many giving it all.
Seamans talked about what it would mean if Kaepernick were to come to the Jaguars.
"I wouldn't watch the team. I wouldn't buy anything. You wouldn't get me to support them," he said. "And I would encourage my fellow service personnel not to."
At the Players Grill in the Miramar neighborhood Tuesday, the food was hot, and so was the talk about the controversial topic.
"He would get booed off the field here in Jacksonville. I guarantee it," said Dave Murphy, an NFL fan.
"We've got a lot of grief together. But it's time for us to group together as a country," Shea Murphy said.
Robert Smith, another NFL fan, reflected on sports in the past.
"I can remember when baseball was baseball, and football was football," said 82-year-old Smith. "Now they're all just platforms for political statements."
News4Jax reached out to the Jaguars, who said they are not making any officials statements because this hasn't happened within their organization. But they said Coach Doug Marrone would deal with whatever comes up based on the situation.
The team hasn’t commented on whether it’s looking to sign Kaepernick.