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Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford knelt during the national anthem. Here's why

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was among several players from both teams to kneel during the playing of the national anthem before Thursday’s game against the Houston Texans at Ford Field.

Stafford has knelt all season during the anthem since the Lions opened the season Sept. 13 against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field.

On Thursday, he knelt on the sideline between backup quarterback Chase Daniel and linebackers coach Ty McKenzie, who is Black. Daniel and McKenzie each placed a hand on Stafford’s shoulders during the playing of Caleb Carroll’s prerecorded performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.