Philadelphia Eagles Players Raise Fists During National Anthem

"It's just to continue to push forward the conversation about social injustice."
Philadelphia Eagles players Steven Means (51), Malcolm Jenkins (27) and Ron Brooks (33) raise their fists during the national anthem for a game against the Chicago Bears on Monday, Sept. 19, 2016 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill.
Philadelphia Eagles players Steven Means (51), Malcolm Jenkins (27) and Ron Brooks (33) raise their fists during the national anthem for a game against the Chicago Bears on Monday, Sept. 19, 2016 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill.
Chicago Tribune via Getty Images

A group of Philadelphia Eagles players raised their fists in protest during the national anthem before Monday Night Football this week in Chicago.

Photos show Eagles players Steven Means, Malcolm Jenkins and Ron Brooks standing together with their fists clenched in the air during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Soldier Field. Defensive end Marcus Smith also participated in the protest, the Philadelphia Inquirer noted.

During a radio interview prior to the game, Jenkins foreshadowed the demonstration and discussed what it means for him.

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“For me, it has nothing to do with this country or the flag or the anthem in itself,” Jenkins told Sportsradio 94WIP. “Really, it’s just to continue to push forward the conversation about social injustice, and that’s a range of things from police brutality to wages and job opportunities, education.”

The protest follows San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit during the national anthem at a pre-season game this season.

Jenkins added that several Eagles players considered demonstrating during Week 1 of the season, but decided it would take attention away from the anniversary of 9/11.

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