Any NFL executives hoping that the national-anthem protests would fade away after two weeks of declining player participation saw their dreams dashed at Sunday’s games.
The take-a-knee protests rebounded in Week 12 as 19 players refused to stand for the national anthem, up from just five last week and following two weeks of single-digit protesters as teams held ceremonies honoring veterans.
Making the difference were the Seattle Seahawks, which saw 11 players sit or take a knee Sunday after two weeks in which all the players stood for “The Star-Spangled Banner” in recognition of Salute to Service games recognizing the military.