I would like to start off by saying that I congratulate you on your football career. You won the hearts of so many 49ers fans throughout the 2013 season. You are a public figure, a household name. That fame is something that some kids can only dream of, but you are fortunate enough to have made that your reality.
No one remembers you for your football talent anymore. You are now referred to as "the professional football player that sat during The National Anthem". I understand that there are crazy things going on in the world that are not right, in that respect I would agree with you. However, there are right and wrong ways to stand up for what you believe in. There are so many other ways for you to get your opinion across, ways that would be more effective in spreading how you feel.
What your actions are telling me is that you have no respect for those people that have served for our country? This is the type of story that enrages me. This is the type of story that makes my heart pound from anger.
You have two fully functioning legs. You have full movement and control of every single bone in your body. The only people that have the right to sit, are those who have lost their limbs trying to protect the country that gave you the opportunity to become a professional athlete.
While you are millions of dollars throwing a ball through the air, there are not only men fighting for this country, but also thousands of women. Every, single day they are risking their lives to defend this country. Some are currently struggling to survive. So again, your actions tell me that they don't deserve your utmost respect? When all you have to do is stand there.
People have died in war trying to protect you, your family, and the place you call home,. I understand that police brutality is not right and innocent people have lost their lives. But you must understand that your actions go way beyond that. Your actions offended the entire nation.
I ask you to think seriously about what you are doing. You've lost the respect of so many already, so before you lose the respect of everyone else, stand for The National Anthem. Remember the children looking up to you. For some you are their hero, the one person they wish to emulate. Remember the example you are setting for them. Stand for them. But if anything, stand for those that no longer can.
