NFL Player and Army Vet Alejandro Villanueva Stood Alone During National Anthem

Alejandro Villanueva of the Pittsburgh Steelers is drawing a lot of attention for breaking ranks with his teammates, who remained in the locker room and out of sight during the national anthem at Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. Villanueva is a West Point graduate who served three tours of duty in Afghanistan and earned two bronze stars. The hometown Bears stood with their arms locked during the national anthem. #InsideEdition

[@ShadowF305]

You’ve lost your damn mind if you think someone who served 3 tours and was a Ranger isn’t gonna stand for the anthem lol

[@ShadowF305]

Redbull 1 yeah I’m not disagreeing, but i think most servicemen with that resume would stand . Not saying there aren’t those that wouldn’t ☝🏽

[@jayfrmshington6506]

Redbull 1 I agree it’s just a cloth kick it step on it do whatever you want as long as you don’t steal it off someone’s porch, but to assume a black person will do something as pathetic as that makes you problematic, I stand by my words.

[@joshmirr7366]

@Redbull 1 the flag is the representation of the whole country. Moron.

[@nickhill8612]

@The Real Slim Shady It's much more than a piece of cloth to me and lots of other people I'm sure.

[@dewman6379]

@@jayfrmshington6506 the flag is a pretty powerful symbol we rally behind it we fight under it and we cover our dead heroes with it so saying its just a piece of cloth doesn't do it justice

[@swedishotter8602]

Why is no one mentioning that he served as a Army Ranger? My full respects to him

[@steve-zk7kj]

Daniel D they literally said he served

[@MrBeast1901]

Jesus Christ he was a RANGER

[@DarknessWithinYou]

MrBeast1901 can u explain it more

[@cooperbolander9952]

A ranger the navy seals of the army and green berets

[@steve-zk7kj]

MrBeast1901 yea they said that in the vid

[@kevinholmes5241]

Now, that's a man amongst boys. Good to see that someone is still proud to be an American. Great display of leadership and freedom of thought.

[@xJoey2213x]

@tylerlopes476why does standing for our country immediately mean you love trump, that alone is a deeper issue in our society

[@xx_HI_xx7]

​@@xJoey2213xtheir but jobs and give out free bjs to every Democrat because blue no matter who.

[@LC-go1uh]

​@tylerlopes476WOW, u a dumbazz!

[@DinnyDonbas]

@tylerlopes476You can’t love your country without supporting Trump, leave if you hate it so much

[@Dinnier.]

That’s just a man with a different opinion, not every man wants to stand for a historically evil country

[@Gucci_Membrane]

How the hell is the Steelers coach gonna say “I wanted 100% participation from the team” when he had an actual veteran with 3 tours to Afghanistan on the team. What a joke the NFL is

[@jordanmurdza3462]

I'm 100% with you on that. No respect for Tomlin after disrespecting a veteran like that

[@emptypromise]

Only joke is a dude who did t support his teammates

[@johnblackburn544]

@@emptypromise he did, by serving in the military

[@emptypromise]

@@johnblackburn544 he probably put his interest above his brothers in the NAVY And disrespected his sergeant He is obviously not a team player

[@gopackgo4036]

Steelers is private organization, they can demand what they want from players. Why do people think they have freedom in private entities?

[@thechemlightyoudropped]

He didn’t disrespect his team. His team disrespected him

[@broderikeverett8964]

You took it right out of my mouth!👍

[@rockandrolf8611]

Exactly

[@allhailtheking6039]

No they didn't.

[@bradquinn4500]

All Hail The King They did.

[@cambware9350]

All Hail The King nah they did

[@MrMbc77]

The fact that his jersey is now top selling gives me hope.

[@BigGabaGool]

This was a while ago dude. It's just getting recommended now

[@sirteddy8034]

lmao i have one of his

[@thesmoothtoad310]

Hope for what ?

[@MrMbc77]

TheSmoothToad Well, that many Americans still have a mutual understanding that respect for our flag and our national anthem means far more than respect for your football team.

[@MrMbc77]

cowboygaming Don't follow it close enough, just assumed it was reoccurring.

[@littlelaguna9379]

Alejandro showing respect to his brothers and sisters who served and died for their country. He's an honorable man! Wish there were more like him.

[@badasg8187]

@@lempiralives The us is ass but then there is Mexico. So your logic doesn’t make sense

[@Renshyra]

@@lempiralives without the US the world would change for this worse, you got this in your brain right? The USA is a mass producer of so many things and aids so many countries and there wars that they would've lost otherwise

[@smok3sho587]

Too bad he regretted his decisions not too far after when more black people died

[@smok3sho587]

@@Renshyra doubt it lmao USA is trash it can barely keep its own citizens alive

[@FatUncleJoey]

@@lempiralives bozo

[@TovenDo.O.Video-]

"Sometimes, standing for what you believe, means standing alone" - Hatebreed

[@shannonrichardson3405]

Now is the time for me to rise to my feet!

[@thecoldcallerguy]

@@shannonrichardson3405 one of the best bands ever

[@geop3309]

The only person on that team that knows what real sacrifice is.

[@geop3309]

@@corngunner It isn't the standing part that was sacrifice it was that he voluntary gave up years of his life and went on 3 tours of combat duty for his country served with honor and was awarded multiple medals including a bronze star for rescuing wounded soldiers while taking fire. And still stands for the national anthem.

[@allen62]

Geo P yeah he fought for a stolen country where that isn’t where his origin is even from he’s from possibly Angola or Europe technically

[@heathw.7243]

Ah, you again. Well, a large belief also says that many natives crossed from the bearing straight during ice age times from parts of Asia, and were stuck after it melted. There may have been people there, but more then likely they were all from Asia.

[@heathw.7243]

Also, like I said before, a large portion of the world is made up of stolen countries from many years ago, things weren’t as civilized and conquering other groups / lands was a thing many powerful nations did.

[@f.b.i.8950]

Oh shut up

[@devanlance8648]

Mike Tomlin expecting a military veteran to not go stand up for the national anthem is comical

[@MyPronounsISwhom]

He almost seemed embarrassed of HIM instead of himself..

[@MyPronounsISwhom]

@DoubleFailMech looks good from where I am..

[@7Roeth]

Yeah. Its embarassing they wouldnt support him.

[@mrgarybusey2052]

@DoubleFailMech Police brutality? I'm pretty sure world hunger is a bigger issue than police brutality 😂😂

[@mightyoaks80]

Benidict Arnold aka Mike Tomlin

[@tawnyalee9317]

That man is the epitomy of respect ✌️

[@patchesconway5957]

As A vet & A Vikings fans of NFL he didn't stand alone. Yet he got my praise During & after

[@americancanadian6539]

Ridiculous that he is being shamed by his own coach for standing up for our country

[@americancanadian6539]

theyeatusdad did you watch the end you idiot

[@SkillzthatKillz2011]

gonna cry?

[@SkillzthatKillz2011]

@I Am Merciless oh no did I offend you? Hahaha

[@unosheem6210]

Llama You want a argument so bad it's pathetic

[@moneyman1588]

@@unosheem6210 fax 12 year old doesn't get enough attention at home

[@DrDoinks]

Dude serves in the army and isn’t allowed to rep his country. Damn right he can show himself in the stadium if he wants to!

[@markymert]

Everyone knows this wasn't planned. It happened 2017 and he himself said it was an accident - he didn't mean to be out there for the anthem. He went out before the game to see the flag and they started playing the Anthem before he got a chance to leave the field. He didn't want to be running off during the Anthem so he turned and stood. It doesn't take away from his service but people should know the truth. The man himself said this was an accident.

[@Vivuvuvj]

@@markymert said it was an accident to save his career from the people who slowly take away our freedom of speech

[@punkydamonkey989]

@@markymert feel like you're talking out of your ass

[@gunandbomb4637]

How did he do it if he wasn’t allowed?

[@guilrito8127]

No one told him he wasn’t allowed

[@debtcollector159]

Im glad he's a raven now. John would of never let him stand alone

[@G509400]

Lost any respect I had for Tomlin the way he answered that question.

[@threecreationleather6596]

The man stood for what he believed in, he's more American than the rest of them combined. Thank you sir.

[@samspade4151]

Threecreation Leather who cares if he's more American than the rest of them,do you think anybody's losing sleep about not being perceived as being a patriot.

[@MMA2018]

sam spade yes.

[@timothypaulino8454]

Oddly enough he was raised Spanish in a Spanish household by Spanish military. He went to SHAPE international school in Belgium where he was introduced to American football and the rest is history.

[@gatorwoman6515]

Threecreation Leather Who decides whose more American?

[@somskid2118]

American is being American

[@casbah1982]

Can't wait for NHL Hockey season to start. While only about 5% of the NHL players were born in the USA... they ALL stand for the Anthem

[@nickgivens6378]

joe strummer because it has nothing to do with respecting the country. It’s just tradition you moron. If you think a song is the biggest representation of our country then you’re a damn nut job

[@wildcardplacement2671]

Nick Givens your the moron bud

[@drewlevy3349]

Americans also stand for the canadian anthem if a Canadian team is playing and vice versa

[@quadgod8111]

5% what lmao it’s like 70%

[@zacharyfleming6576]

justin mccaffery it's like 20%

[@idonotcarenow]

No wonder he served, what an outstanding hero! Keep doing what you do man! God bless you, and God bless this beautiful US of A!!!

[@sinappanis]

Damn I'm late to the party and I'm so glad I saw this clip. Hats off to him. Also think it's pretty impressive that he did his 3 tours and THEN became a pro football player. Playing against probably a lot of younger guys and still able to compete no issues. That shows some dedication and hard work.

[@haydenbrady4734]

They sat out because they thought they were being miss treated. But they didn’t think about how there teammate felt who had risked his life for that flag. That man has my respect

[@norarodela8909]

I'm proud of him for serving our country and I'm proud of him again for standing strong even if it meant ALONE ! He stood there respecting the United States National Anthem and ready to play an all American game. Not Politics ! Good For Him

[@Zarbangyshcotty]

I respect him for his service but I hate to break it to you but he caved afterwards and said he was embarrassed for what he did.

[@Zarbangyshcotty]

@John Smith And as a for you GO ALL BLACKS! Wooooo

[@S.Justinius]

@John Smith shut up

[@user-dq4kt8lp1p]

Standing for the anthem is just as political as kneeling

[@aroach7461]

@@user-dq4kt8lp1p yea but one is tradition while the other is a narrative.

[@parkerhamilton5663]

His team disrespected him he didn’t disrespect his team. I respect that man so much for that!

[@khalillittlejohn8948]

I disagree, they had a team meeting and asked if anyone opposed this. He didn't speak up. He waited until the last minute to go and stand by himself. He should have been man enough to face the team and tell them how he felt. Instead he agreed with the plan and backed out last minute.

[@RecklessGamer18]

"focus on football", but likely pressed during the game cuz a vet wanted to be respectful. Lmfao

[@kvl505]

One man stands alone. With no fear, unafraid of the consequences. A true warrior a true hero.

[@ericsniper9843]

Malcolm X, Medgar Every and MLK. These men stood up and we're gunned down.

[@ScholarHaru]

@@ericsniper9843 By extremists, comparing people who love their country to extremists is stupid

[@trd2329]

@@ericsniper9843 I missed the part where that's my problem

[@lucasjohnson1007]

@@trd2329 lol no one said it was your problem have a snickers and calm down buddy 😂

[@ogdistance9435]

This dude came out and said he didn’t mean to do this lol

[@owensweetland342]

Three combat tours and two Bronze stars. Obvious display of courage under fire. First, abroad and now here. His team mates on the other hand only served themselves.

[@Zarbangyshcotty]

It's amazing all he has endured yet caved later after he said he felt embarrassed for what he did.

[@micah2426]

@@Zarbangyshcotty he had to keep his job

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

Lmao and look at Afghanistan now.

[@vincentg6613]

Yeah... but his name sounds ethnic! I thought we weren't supose to like those people!? Bet he speaks Spanish!😱 go back to your own country! We don't want you here!🤣

[@vincentg6613]

@@Zarbangyshcotty people realize their mistakes 🙂

[@famousgigachadgeorgewashin9094]

I’m ashamed of my team for doing that they lost a great player.

[@KnicksFromNC]

They lost him?

[@sethkraai9075]

@@KnicksFromNC yeah. He signed with Baltimore during the off-season.

[@stuntroll5363]

@@sethkraai9075 yeah he did horrible

[@lawoftheland5923]

Oh well, better man than the entire ream@@stuntroll5363

[@BraulioMontelongo]

As a millitary veteran myself. I'm proud of him. Our flag doesn't represent any president but our rights and freedoms under our constitution with our bill of rights! GOD BLESS AMERICA!

[@q6117]

He wasn’t the only person standing for the flag. He was the only one out in the open and standing for the flag. He had other teammates who were standing for the flag but in the tunnel. And Mike Tomlin had no problem with him standing. It was the fact that he wasn’t with the team deep inside the tunnel with no one to see them.

[@cjkey5515]

This fool really thought he wasn’t gonna stand for his country, especially after he served 3 tours???

[@hillbillydelux]

Exactly

[@deeznutz8320]

He probably lost some colleagues over there

[@georgemichaelduffy37]

Ha e you ever served your country . .Free your mind girl .To much hate in your statement .America is the land of your birth .Q ( President Kennedy . .dont ask what America can do for you . .ask what you can do for America . .set your mind free would be a positive step . .the rest will quickly follow . .God Bless America . .i dare you to say the words . .your call ( British Mike )

[@gamerslatestnews819]

I was in the army in Iraq so I fought for my county and my friend die in my hand I think we need more like this

[@garrettwilliams2688]

Gamers latest news thanks you so much for your service I’m so sorry for your loss🙏🏻

[@SonofStLouis]

Isn’t that sad: when it’s controversial to stand for your own anthem

[@jasperhughes2399]

Isn’t that sad: when Americans make freedom of speech laws then criticize and abuse people for using them

[@Noahhzp17]

Jasper Is Dumb goes both ways

[@Noahhzp17]

Herrera Missions goes both ways

[@jwb2734]

Jasper Is Dumb no one is saying you can’t buy you should

[@SonofStLouis]

John Smith you could say the same thing about Kapernick that’s been profiting off his kneeling

[@davidpilgrim6301]

Hey look an American that loves his country how rare

[@nolanconnolly6626]

I’m American and I hate my country

[@Pacisback84]

@@nolanconnolly6626 then leave tf?

[@nolanconnolly6626]

@@Pacisback84 jokes on you, I don’t live there anymore! Europe is way better with our Universal Healthcare!

[@willthethrillaac2007]

@Nolan Connolly that just means more taxes bro, or unfair pay

[@AllBraunZeroBrains]

I wanted 100% participation to support our team, he says as they let a veteran stand alone

[@vikman258]

right! What a clown

[@PTS156]

As a steeler fan this just makes me cry like a baby. Words can’t express how proud I am of Alejandro and how disappointed I am with the rest of them.

[@Han-Solo459]

You must be thrilled with Brown.

[@PTS156]

@@Han-Solo459 I dislike everyone in the league. Villanueva is literally the only patriot.

[@joyunicycle]

I'm a Steelers fan too and Alejandro made me happy and hope.

[@glasshalffull8625]

I’m not interested in watching any sport where the players don’t respect the flag and country.

[@RxptorIsNotTaken]

@@PTS156 than your no True Steelers fan, not even a steeler fan in general

[@charlie9714]

Kaepernick: Kneels during the National Anthem Becomes most burned uniform Villanueva: Stands alone for the National Anthem. Becomes most sold uniform

[@charlie9714]

ITS ME Why yes it does

[@52mbs]

Charlie Kaepernick signs with Nike for 100’s of millions of dollars Who the hell is Villanueva?

[@palletbitch]

Sadly kaep's jerseys sold more after it too but good for that player for standing his ground

[@SD-ui2lx]

Sean B I mean we need fuel for the cook out

[@peakster7486]

Kaepernick is use to kneeling for his boyfriend.

[@williewilliams4654]

He's an individual,,, God bless him 🇮🇪❤️🇺🇲

[@josephinetracy1485]

Mike Tomlin is about 2 feet tall.

[@bussyomelon4526]

Now we have the NFL preaching how they love the vets. 2016-2020 they wanted nothing but unrest.

[@kennynguyen6246]

2016 was some weird times.

[@chuckblack9410]

Can't remember how many years ago I STOPPED watching the NEGRO FELONS LEAGUE and I haven't missed it nor do I want to hear anything about our military from them. I'm a Vietnam Veteran, Civil Service and US Marine retired with 35 years of service to MY country. Can't begin to tell you how many, birthdays, Christmases, Thanksgiving, New Years and Easter vacation day I have spent outside the continental United States. But SOMEONE had to be FAITHFUL and "stand the watch" so all the people that did not care about the Armed Forces could party on these days.

[@gargola1887]

Now a days NFL feels more like politics than an actual sport.. smh

[@aztecempire4206]

Dude your too young to understand anything about football .. even politics ... Your probably stuck on fortnite

[@gargola1887]

@@aztecempire4206 NBA >>> trashfl bunch of divas crying about a song

[@bubbamane658]

XFL2020. Just football

[@ryansmith1471]

AztecEmpire 420 I like the fact you’re trying to sound mature yet your name has 420 in it you dope head.

[@gargola1887]

@@ryansmith1471 lmfaoooo W

[@jordanj8781]

He ended up getting more attention than the protesters lol Wow, didn’t even realize how many likes this got. Thanks y’all!

[@boss-anova]

And less scrutiny. That's called counter-protesting

[@sufferyetgain]

JMoney 87 it’s not about attention

[@rich2583]

@@sufferyetgain yes it is. They want to bring attention to "police brutality"

[@sufferyetgain]

Rich he was talking about attention to the person. Police brutality already is getting a lot of attention, needs a lot more though

[@josecarbajal6647]

They gave him publicity cause he is obeying.

[@bekwolfpack8139]

Thank you for your service!! So proud that he stood strong even if I meant being alone!

[@joeystickay3408]

Wait their coach was trying to force them to not stand for the anthem wtf

[@TheDarknessOfGames]

Yep race war

[@thegentleman5409]

Tomlin is a clown

[@hvkrise8103]

They were standing it was just in the tunnel, I believe the coach was trying to have it so no matter what his guys think on the issue and wether they feel they should knee or not, it wouldn’t be made a scene out on the field. Instead they’d be in the tunnel where nobody could see or focus on if they were kneeling or standing, so they’d focus on the game and not anyone’s political opinion. However when the OT went out there anyway it made the rest of the team look bad, like they all didn’t want to stand for the anthem when it wasn’t necessary that way. I can 100% see why a vet would want to be out there, yet I can also see the coach point of view to not make this about anything more than what they came here to do, play football. Bottom line the coach wasn’t trying to force them to not stand, it just appears that way because nobody else came out of the tunnel except for one guy making it look bad for the remainder of the team.

[@thetreeofhatsunemiku7760]

He was black

[@rileypoe7331]

Dander Spat, I mean, yes but also no. I see where your going but just take it down a notch.

[@angelmorales8485]

Thank You For Your Service Alejandro You wasn't Standing Alone. America is With You. Bless You and your family. Semper Fi

[@Arbiter710]

I know this is late as hell but thank you Ranger🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!!

[@floydschake998]

There's an old saying that always proves true. " He who does what's right often stands alone". Jersey sales will show how a level headed society that lives in America truly feels about this sign of disrespect. It's OK to kneel but not stand? Rangers Lead the Way!

[@lucasng4712]

No

[@julianreyes8859]

Nobody said it’s bad to stand tho?

[@dgracias12]

"Top selling Jersey!" Because being Patriotic is more important than some stupid nfl league 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@chrish7904]

Why I got a Jags Tyler Eifert jersey last season for putting David Dorn's name on his helmet. This past week the Browns' Baker Mayfield had a tribute to one of the servicemembers killed in Afghanistan on his cleats. They choose the honor the worthy, not career criminals who bring their own death upon themselves. 🇺🇲

[@Zarbangyshcotty]

Well he said after that he was embarrassed about what he did. Hope you didn't pay too much for that jersey.

[@eljoemanlouis3895]

of course, but dont call Football stupid

[@reemur1442]

@@eljoemanlouis3895 ik bro

[@mog7501]

Being patriotic for a country that stands for terrorizing other nations, killing innocent people, imperialism, racism, and making our young men die in some desert by sheep herders so some billionaire, his corporation, and our government can steal their oil and opium.

[@redactedrider7606]

"respect for the football team" How about some respect for the country your in? It's the reason you even have a football team in the first place.

[@iknowihaveanincrediblysmal6103]

That Guy my guy... right to protest?

[@redactedrider7606]

@@iknowihaveanincrediblysmal6103 never said they can't protest... Idk where you got that from.

[@k0b128]

@@redactedrider7606 he never said that the guy said that... idk where you got that from.

[@julianperez357]

Kevin O'Brien no but it is definitely being implied here..”how bout some respect for the country” we all know he is talking about players kneeling and what the Steelers did

[@k0b128]

@@julianperez357 I know, also op was sarcastically addressing what we was also implying. I was just pointing out the irony.

[@Vash1980]

Sad coach is more worried about disrespecting his football team than his country.

[@IanW717]

this country doesn’t give af about black ppl

[@Pacisback84]

@@IanW717 ok sure bud you keep thinking that

[@IanW717]

@@Pacisback84 u must be white😂, u don’t know how it feels

[@__1201]

He's a west point graduate. If he didn't stand up he'd be betraying all his fellow soldiers.

[@murphy3355]

Not a Steelers fan but I need to get me a 78 jersey now. Much respect. Im a proud American and I’m standing there next to you.

[@bensimmons6149]

Gay

[@neos...]

Who wants to bet he didn't buy the jersey 😂😂😂

[@shaquizzyonizzy3148]

@Bleed Orange Damm brother that joke is so funny it had tons of likes because it's so funny like I can't control myself I can't it's so funny

[@bn2533]

Coley Cakes damn you good dude?

[@joshuaneyman8062]

As a Steelers fan, this made me lose alot of respect for the team and the coach, but there is still one man I can count on to show the team how to be American.

[@mosmeister9445]

Its time that tomlin gets fired.

[@iamichron]

@J P FOH

[@T0mat0_S0up]

Hippietrogdor Yeah, about 1 YEAR AGO

[@Nick-ve1kg]

J P just because you have freedom doesn’t mean you can do ANYTHING you want... like cocaine, meth etc. If not, should crimes like robbery and murder be legal? Also, the patriot act was allowed after 9/11 because the majority of people supported it.

[@danielbaer8924]

J P Just stop talking. You seem like a person who sends back a meal to the kitchen because you got the wrong sauce on the side.

[@acp865]

The solidarity of any sports team is extremely important, but my years of service would ALWAYS be more important than the team.

[@newguycanada]

That is what made America Great. The ability to stand or not stand. Sadly both sides of the aisle now forget that freedom means doing what you want and not what someone else wants you to do.

[@tafyb]

A real American, using his own mind to make decisions, not following like the sheep.

[@Zarbangyshcotty]

He followed the sheep after his comments later saying he was embarrassed for what he did.

[@sensarmy]

Black lives matter

[@victoravila2035]

If you participate in the two party system, you’re a sheep

[@KL-je9qq]

He's a Spaniard who served in the US army.

[@Mrmudbone_gaming]

Well, he had to get the vax to play in the NFL

[@thecityofficial6367]

That’s the difference between someone who follows the crowd, and someone who follows their heart. If you do the latter, you gotta be willing to stand all by yourself sometimes. Strong man right there.

[@isaiahgarcia2431]

It was an accident and he feels embarrassed by it 💀 nice try tho

[@corngunner]

Isaiah Garcia lmao fr tho

[@heathw.7243]

I know and all but Isiah please change the comment a little every time, it adds more variety

[@isaiahgarcia2431]

H Money. Don’t be ignorant? Idk 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@heathw.7243]

Isaiah Garcia My comment was a joke seeing as it looks like you copy pasted that reply many times, I was saying to not copy paste as a joke.

[@mr.t8871]

"we were gonna be respectful of our football team" how.. how about respect for your country. Like... how unappreciative of the privilege you're born into and Americans.

[@mayoman-pv1lj]

Can’t believe the coach thinks he’s in the wrong

[@fr.brucedouglas2143]

A real hero and american. God bless you for standing.

[@xjcrossx]

When Tomlin said "We gonna respect our football team," instead of saying "We gonna respect our country and our flag," I lost all respect for him.

[@weirdhilltodieonbutatleast9268]

Cool.

[@jsiszero]

It's all about the "me me me" culture

[@RWaB7]

Yep he is a loser and a ass clown. I new there was something I didnt like about him it finally surfaced.

[@emilygrace1960]

...let alone, respect a fellow teammate who actively served - overseas, not just on our own soil. I'm blown away that a Coach would do that but it definitely shows his lack of leadership on every level.

[@djb570]

Heck yes, we need to respect the correct message. One for all people. Especially in coming times there is no more black or white or dem or republican it is about our freedom that is being taken away. So proud of this man. It is so good to be able to say the word man and know what it means again. Tomlin meh..who cares.

[@scottlee8498]

And then apologized to the team and players later for doing it. He said he felt embarrassed by that picture. Then he said he supports players kneeling during the anthem and thinks most veterans have no problem with the kneeling. Yeah he's a hero.

[@charlesg7926]

He got threatened with being fired. But yeah, he should’ve stood firm and hired a lawyer, and I would’ve reported any bullying or hostile work environment personally.

[@JivinJoe1984]

Good for him and thank you for your service sir

[@chrishansen8836]

“100% team participation” wowwww mike tomlin is a jokester

[@jacobwatson1406]

THATS WHY HE LOST 🤣🤣🤣🤣😅😂😅🤣🤣😅😂🤣🤣😅🤣😅😅🤣🤣🤣😅😂😅

[@mabelsings]

“Jokester” is too kind of a word for him. Traitor is a better word.

[@iiscrzzey3980]

Imagine shaming a player that served for his country and wanted to stand for the national anthem

[@bn2533]

my7571 which is sad. People rly shame him, A VETERAN, for standing for the flag? And colored people act like they have never done anything wrong 🤦🏼‍♂️. This is proof they’re nowhere near as good/nice as they say/think

[@iiscrzzey3980]

B N that’s a little racist but I see your point

[@colinmeier8140]

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spoke after the game… “We do not care” -Mike Tomlin

[@serserrano1]

So much respect and admiration for his fellow brothers. The fckn man right here!

[@georgeortega3812]

I am disgusted by this!!! This man served our country and that whole Franchise sat it out?? Pathetic!

[@JTBCOOL1]

Yep the team should feel ashamed of themselves. Not only because their veteran teammate but their own country which provided them with the opportunity to play football.

[@HTA25]

They actually stood in the tunnel.

[@ztailsexternal371]

@@HTA25 On the field, hands over your heart, facing the flag. I understand they have the right to do it but I also have the right to call the disgusting

[@HTA25]

@@ztailsexternal371 do you understand why they did it?

[@jsm530]

@@HTA25 he just said it's his freedom to call them disgusting. you can't have it both ways kid

[@MtTammy1]

Thank you, Alejandro, for your respect and pride for your country and most sincerely for your service! :)

[@douguppe4129]

Huge respect for that man- from the UK.

[@CmcDemon]

He’s not wrong he served his team should be with him for that reason only

[@tmcd2971]

Your football team is no where as important as OUR National Anthem. Kudos for the Lone player being respectful and singing Our Anthem. Freedom to honor Our Nation.

[@bige5838]

Steelers should have stood with there veteran teammate real classy move Pittsburgh

[@elchapojr4729]

Could you say the same for him being the only one not with his team? He stood for what he believed in and they came together all colors and sat for what they believed in

[@isaiahgarcia2431]

They were 20 feet behind him 💀 he came out and said it was accident smh

[@bensimmons6149]

Their*. Maybe you should learn some English.

[@mrbbqsause4566]

If they were standing all around him then whats the point of doing it

[@sheacraig930]

@@mrbbqsause4566 You mean "Their" you idiot trump supporter

[@Notjohn452]

4 years later still haven't watched a game of football since this

[@locc132]

Big respect to my guy.

[@FrostyFrostySnow]

Massive respect for having the courage to go out there and stand for your anthem when your so called team won't. I'm not American but that doesn't stop me from being proud of a man who stands for his country 🇺🇸 🇦🇺

[@emoh24]

If this isn't an example of patriotism, idk what is. Not even a steelers fan, but I'm definitely a Villanueva fan now.

[@bigmac7077]

Well after this being a steelers fan is questionable

[@davidhutch307]

Ahhhh for all the times you're going to notice and follow the performance of an offensive lineman

[@fym3106]

@@bigmac7077 y wtf hahahahahahahaha us Steelers fans could care less abt the loser things u gotta say “u support a team that….” SHUUUUT UP😂😂😂

[@bigmac7077]

@@Tyborz matters about as much as yours

[@bigmac7077]

@@Tyborz It wasn’t a comeback You dip

[@hardfugoo1]

His team disrespected not only the country but their fellow teammate so so badly.

[@notmebutyou8350]

And now he's with our division rival, the Baltimore Ravens!!!! 😔 He was and is a class act!!!

[@chuckblack9410]

No, actually he is a PATRIOTIC AMERICAN that loves his country and, put his live ON-THE-LINE for country and the flag. OOOOOOHHHHHRRRRRAAAAAHHH!!! SEMPER FI!!!!!!!!

[@notmebutyou8350]

@@chuckblack9410 What does that have to do with him playing for Baltimore?

[@MonaLucy15257]

The only American Hero out on the field that evening. God Bless you, Patriot! 🇺🇸👍🏽💕🇺🇸

[@brandonallen3289]

But he's playing for the Steelers. I kid.

[@smokeybear1925]

soon they won't even let the flag be flown, or the anthem be sung because its too offensive

[@chancedavis6216]

Smokey Bear ikr

[@nicomarkins7386]

Smokey Bear that’s when a second civil war comes in. I will die for our flag.

[@samspade4151]

Smokey Bear sounds like an excellent idea to me

[@samspade4151]

Lispy Nicky better you than me

[@karumity1749]

U know the reason they peacefully protest isn’t because the flag is offensive but for for much more in depth reason like the shooting of black peoples by officers it isn’t meant to be disrespectful be actually be respectful because America is supposed to be a land of free and equality but that hasn’t really been happening

[@donroyal6791]

A vet and true American!!!! I respect and honor you sir for doing what ( no other man would do ) you chose to be a true patriot and idol. Thank you! That’s what true patriotism is. And not being bullied 🙌🏼

[@carolluther1625]

Thank you for respecting our anthem, with your hand over your heart. Sometimes you have to stand alone! God bless!

[@u121386]

Damn, I still remember this. This man served for the U.S. military. The Steelers were not the ones being disrespected here...

[@DocJeep1]

Bless him!👍🇺🇸😉

[@cameron4563]

I love that guy

[@synoval9054]

Sports Films_1 that's why they lost

[@samspade4151]

Cameron 456 I don't

[@elviolamadres864]

He is a traitor he is from Spain and forget who is real him

[@Chase345-o8c]

El Ruso Barrer0 ewwww

[@bensimmons6149]

Lucky nobody cares

[@TheButters6]

The man served his country and put his life on the line. He’s allowed to do what he wants when it comes to the national anthem

[@ronaldreagan7551]

Respecting your country is more important than respecting a football team. He could have at least respected this veteran.

[@ashleyyyy4583]

Top selling jersey? Wow that’s the kind of hope I needed

[@fym3106]

💯💯💯💯💯😂😂😂😂 crazy that it’s the top selling ….. YET I HAVENT SEEN ANYONE IN THAT JERSEY🤦🏽‍♂️

[@SporkPlays212]

It’s sad that someone standing during the national anthem is newsworthy COME ON NFL, GET IT TOGETHER

[@scorchone2310]

Three tours and two bronze stars!!?! I never knew he was a true certified badass. God bless this man.

[@ZeroEntropy.]

Thank you for being everything that is American while your team turns it's back on you.

[@FrankieG713]

Its funny how the person with the foreign last name is the one out there alone. Ironic

[@TheAirheaded1]

Hey look it's the Pittsburgh Kneelers! Except for one cool dude! Cheers Villanueva!

[@nathanielorend9641]

TheAirheaded1 there just trying to avoid it

[@benk5236]

TheAirheaded1 there hasn’t been a Steeler in history that has taken a knee tho...

[@kymberhester8712]

ComebackShane no one ever kneeled tho

[@destroger3604]

Comebackshane they were told to avoid it and it was his choice to disobey the rules so shut up the Steelers r a great team

[@syrtech121]

Destroyer 360 “disobey the rules” more like respect his country

[@marr5969]

It takes a physical person to play sports but it takes a strong heart to love your country you LIVE in.

[@imazombieee8949]

Props to this man.

[@tt-ln4mc]

"Villanueva's #78 Jersey is now the NFLs best selling Jersey" Hell yeah America 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@BiggRude02]

#78

[@tt-ln4mc]

@@BiggRude02 my bad

[@The_Real_Bonesaw]

@RICKY not one single country is perfect. We just dont hear anything about others because they dont have rights.

[@heathw.7243]

RICKY. Pretty sure we still have the strongest and one of the most largest and capable militaries in the world, and one of the best intelligence communities. But you can still think that .

[@humblebeginnings8328]

Tomlin is a horrible coach. He just wanted to be politically correct for the moment. Not cool in the USA. I’m glad someone was brave enough to do the right thing.

[@bchill_1329]

Scott W why tf r u so offended that he was under the tunnel listening to the anthem

[@virusness1564]

How was what they did wrong?

[@KJ-vu2wd]

Andrew technically everyone is an immigrant except native Americans

[@Jorge.Espinoza05]

You realize he did it becausehewas in the army not becasue he was trying to do the right thing. You obviously dont know the army

[@BrmadeJay3]

Andrew it’s s protest you idiot

[@peytonwhitener3354]

I have no respect for their coach or team, just that player. He is what gives me hope for our country

[@micheledavidswife4336]

Hod bless our vets and military always ♥️♥️

[@exmember1607]

If more players did this, I would still be watching the NFL.

[@leonardofernandez1397]

No one cares

[@averagejonathansmithenjoyer]

@@leonardofernandez1397 I do

[@999_DRFL]

@@averagejonathansmithenjoyer exactly a nobody. The point still stands

[@eddieportalatinportalatin6780]

And you saying the point stands no one cares because your a nobody too

[@haydencook682]

Forgot to mention he was a Ranger! Dude is an absolute hero!

[@CoKanet-no2jt]

You cant take a man's right to express his freedom, especially when he fought for it

[@benglover7012]

This is when i lost all respect for my childhood idol Ben Rothlesburger