Everyone has something negative to say about NFL players right now.

"They are so unpatriotic" or "They are so disrespectful."

We all know that is not the intent of these athletes. They want everyone to know there is injustice in the world.

NFL athletes play on probably the biggest stage in the United States and have the chance to make the difference. If it was not for people like this throughout history, what would have been done throughout history?

As a society, we would not have progressed to where we are today. However, we have a long way to go not only in the United States, but throughout the world. The injustices that these NFL players are standing for is small compared to what everything going on in the world.

If these athletes do not stand up for what is right, then who will?

What if Rosa Parks got up when she was told to move her seat? What if Babe Ruth let the adversity of being colored get in the way of him playing baseball? What if those students did not sit in at that diner?

These examples, along with countless other examples throughout history, are the reason we need people who can stand up, or in this case, kneel down for what they believe in.

I am not saying that I would do the same thing as an athlete or that I believe they are choosing the best way to present their case, but part of being a citizen of the United States of America is giving people the right to choose how they want to protest and what they want to do.

Although I will not kneel during the National Anthem as I am playing the sport that I love, but as athletes on the biggest stage in the nation, they are on a platform that can actually make a difference and maybe, just maybe, cause a much-needed change within our society.

As stated above, I may not full-heartedly agree with the decision of these athletes, but I respect their decision to protest in the way they seem most fit.