Three Seahawks remained in the tunnel during the national anthem prior to Seattle’s preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. The three players – Quinton Jefferson, Branden Jackson and Duane Brown – quickly ran out to join the team after the anthem was complete.
The NFL introduced a new national anthem policy this season. Players who do not want to stand during the anthem are allowed to remain in the locker room (or in the tunnel) without facing punishment.
The new policy was met with a lot of disdain from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), who stated that they were not consulted prior to the NFL’s decision being publicized. The two sides are working together to come up with a compromise, which means new rules will not be issued or enforced while discussions are ongoing.
Jefferson, Jackson and Brown were among the Seahawks players who sat during the anthem last season.
The Seahawks have not announced how they will handle the national anthem going forward.
