Saints, Falcons join hands at midfield after national anthem
With a message of togetherness, the Falcons and Saints lock arms and put the rivalry aside for a moment before #MNF. #Together #ATLvsNO pic.twitter.com/k82MiIDDQX
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 27, 2016
The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons joined the recent string of pregame protests started by Colin Kaepernick, but the two teams took a much different approach on Monday night.
Once the anthem was over, players from both teams came together in the middle of the field and formed a circle while holding hands.
With a message of togetherness, the Falcons and Saints lock arms and put the rivalry aside for a moment before #MNF. #Together #ATLvsNO pic.twitter.com/kK6F0ULycJ
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 27, 2016
ESPN play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough explained that Drew Brees and Matt Ryan had spoken during the week, with the two clubs ultimately agreeing to be respectful of the anthem before making a show of togetherness and unity.
Brees has been critical of Kaepernick's protest style, claiming it was "disrespectful to the American flag."