NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons came together for a powerful display of unity Monday night by joining hands in a circle around the field following the national anthem.
A source told ESPN's Britt McHenry that Saints coach Sean Payton reached out to Falcons coach Dan Quinn with the idea earlier in the week -- and player leaders from both teams loved it.
They figured it was a great way for players to join the growing protests around the NFL against injustice in America, while still making it a message about unity -- especially with two longtime rival teams from culturally-rich cities.