Steelers Skip National Anthem But Former Army Ranger And Current LT Villanueva Stands Near Tunnel

Every member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, except for one, remained in the locker room as the national anthem played before their game with the Chicago Bears; KDKA’s Lynne Hayes-Freeland reports.

[@therealayatollah2678]

"If you look around and find yourself alone, you just might be doing the right thing, nowadays."

[@kellyanderson7624]

Truer words have not been spoken

[@aliothspectranet5678]

Y'all fucking funny, watch this: Taking a knee: Pittsburgh Steelers’ Alejandro Villanueva says he stood on his own by accident The 29-year-old became an unwitting pro-Trump celebrity, with his jersey being the best sold on the NFL website over the weekend - little did everyone know the truth Tuesday 26 September 2017 08:29 Comments The situation is 'quite the opposite' of what everyone thinks, Villanueva explains Alejandro Villanueva, who stood on his own for the national anthem while his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates sat in the locker room, insists the whole thing was an accident. The former soldier, who served three tours of Afghanistan, became an unwitting celebrity for his unintentional act, with Trump supporters holding him up as a bastion of patriotism following days of protests and angry tweets. Villanueva’s jersey even became the most popular selling on the NFL website over the weekend. Little did everyone know the truth of the situation. Saluting the colours had everything to do with miscommunication and nothing to do with him setting himself apart from the organisation, the coaches or the players who have helped craft his improbable success story. American sportspeople kneel in protest Show all 14 Terrance Smith #48, Eric Fisher #72, Demetrius Harris #84, and Cameron Erving #75 of the Kansas City Chiefs is seen taking a knee before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at the StubHub Center on 24 September, 2017 in Carson, California Members of the Dallas Cowboys link arms and kneel during the National Anthem before the start of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on 25 September, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona Bruce Maxwell of the Oakland Athletics kneels as teammate Mark Canha #20 places his hand on Maxwell's shoulder during the singing of the National Anthem before their MLB American League baseball game against the Seattle Mariners at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California on 25 September 2017 Members of the Oakland Unified School District Honor Band kneel as they perform the national anthem before a MLB American League baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Seattle Mariners at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California on 25 September, 2017 "It's a very embarrassing part on my end," Villanueva said on Monday. "When everyone sees images of me standing by myself, everybody thinks the team and the Steelers are not behind me and that is absolutely wrong. It's quite the opposite." The Steelers met as a team on Saturday night to discuss how to handle the anthem following president Donald Trump's tweets suggesting players who don't stand for it should be fired. Coach Mike Tomlin told his players whatever they decided, they needed to do it as a team. When the group couldn't reach a consensus, they opted to remove themselves from the situation by staying off the field until after the anthem was played. Villanueva reached out to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, asking if he could be at the front of the pack. Roethlisberger told Villanueva to meet in the tunnel four minutes before kickoff. Villanueva said he arrived early and walked out far enough to see the flag. He asked a security guard when the anthem would start and was told "20 seconds." He turned back toward his teammates in the tunnel when the music began playing. So Villanueva did what he's done his entire life: he stopped and put his right hand over his heart even as his mind raced. "The decision was 'Do you walk out of the national anthem and join your teammates?"' Villanueva said. "I know that would have looked extremely bad. Or as a team do you start moving halfway through the national anthem? What you can get out of this is that we essentially butchered our plan." Recommended Leaving the 29-year-old Villanueva and the Steelers in a difficult spot. Roethlisberger and the rest of the 53-man roster was ready to join Villanueva but was slowed by a group of Chicago fans exiting the field. Then the first verse was roaring through the loudspeakers and it was too late. Roethlisberger said the entire team would take the field on Sunday when Pittsburgh plays in Baltimore, though it's uncertain whether they will present a unified front or have some players protest in some form. Either way, they will be there alongside Villanueva, who defended his teammates for the surreal scene at Soldier Field, placing the blame on himself. "The entire team would have been out there with me, even the ones that wanted to take a knee would have been there with me had they known these extremely (difficult) circumstances," he said. AP

[@bummrush3457]

​@aliothspectranet5678 take your propaganda outta here

[@kellyanderson7624]

Props to my hometown Chicago Bears for STANDING UP for the National Anthem. Sweet Home Chicago!

[@bobfritz4448]

Awesome!!!

[@Fusion613]

I’m from illinois too and i agree!!

[@Antpaok]

And he's Spanish, he didn't even grow up in the US and is more thankful than privileged men who the US gave everything they have

[@justvincent555]

Bro he's from Meridian, Mississippi

[@genevonderlinden1768]

good job villunueva !

[@daghost0586]

Gene Vonderlinden please sign thank you petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/fire-steelers-coach-mike-tomlin-and-all-other-coaches-ban-their-players-standing-during-national-anthem Make NFL AMERICAN AGAIN!!!

[@anshghayalod431]

@@daghost0586 Fuck off with you petition!

[@unpricedhydra3492]

@@daghost0586 lol you moron

[@royalrumble8680]

Bullshit not showing up for the anthem is as bad if not worse than than kneeling. Shame on the steelers except for the Hero,our Hero, Alejandro an Army Ranger who understands what it takes to be a soldier and how important it is to respect the anthem and the flag.

[@finchborat]

For me, sitting or kneeling are the worst of them all. The other forms of protest are defendable.

[@JH-hx2cl]

Shame on you Mike Tomlin. Im a US Marine and have been a Steeler fan my whole life. Shame on you for selling out to what one man says like that. The anthem isnt about youre feelings, dont you get that? Its not about you for a 2:30 anthem. You stand for the anthem representing a country that spilled blood so you can be a millionaire coaching a sport. Shame on you, I hope the family removes you for allowing that desision.

[@diondavoudian3487]

James H thank you for your service🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Satawolf]

James H I don't think he gets it. He may possibly be problematic as well definitely uninformed to the issues. It's not about the anthem it's about systemic racism everyone in your team chose to. You are not a team player one and two you have no idea what some of your teammates face just for having melanin and existing in this country.

[@brianahernandez5441]

People dont understand the army , military , marines and all govermental pay the nfl to sponsor The army ect, nobody had a problem when the removed the national anthem from school right till mr trump stir everybody's feelings they dont care the reason is the goverment dont believe in god just pay attention dumb people

[@ogjoe7892]

Thanks for being a complete moron murderer, fuck the army spilled blood my ass, most vets never fought in a war and are just dropouts looking for a job and welfare

[@joeybatts1066]

OG Joe I'd like you to say that to the families of the fallen and not sound like a dick.

[@califinn]

Raiders fan here, bought me a Villanueva jersey after this.

[@travisevans2025]

He's going to sell a lot of jerseys

[@kellyanderson7624]

He did

[@bettyhuff3147]

I thought they had more respect than that I've lost faith in my team since 1959 so stand tall VILLANUEVA THANK YOU

[@lachiemiller9290]

I’m Australian and this is sad for people to dis respect their flag

[@bherber]

@Lachie Miller - It's only black people who do it if you haven't noticed.

[@propanebeats7628]

@@bherber yeah don’t matter what color their damn skin is. they need to stand

[@bherber]

@@propanebeats7628 - Yeah, their beef apparently is with cops, so kneeling for the National Anthem has nothing to do with that. It's sad they roped Ben into not coming out of the tunnel as he's the leader of the team.

[@JebBlack2010]

Not a very well thought out idea there Steelers. You all look like America haters except for one guy. You are now the Pittsburgh Kneelers.

[@daghost0586]

JebBlack2010 please sign thank you petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/fire-steelers-coach-mike-tomlin-and-all-other-coaches-ban-their-players-standing-during-national-anthem Make NFL AMERICAN AGAIN!!!

[@pattiellsworth6190]

JebBlack2010 ALRIGHT. WELL SAID!

[@austenbertrand1818]

asjkiea12 what victory 😂

[@bherber]

@JebBlack2010 - Well, not a surprise really for any NFL team when most of the players are black. They don't care. Mike Tomlin (a black coach), could have showed leadership, but he didn't

[@lizard4089]

Lol

[@gregorykahndc]

Hey hey hey Rangers Lead the Way!

[@lloydclement2152]

The real man, the Army Ranger #78 Alejandro, stood for America while his team mates cowared in the locker room.

[@stephenholbrook5908]

Sua Sponte! RLTW! "... and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country."

[@65TossTrap]

One man had the courage to stand tall for the flag!! The rest of those cowards fled to the locker room.

[@StukInBuf]

"Dare to be a Daniel; Dare to stand alone..." America stands with you, Alejandro! *KEEP ON TRUCKIN'!*

[@terrilynn8795]

WE LOVE VILLANUEVA !!!!!

[@bobfritz4448]

Better to stay in the locker room than to disrespect our country. They can all stand lock arms as brothers and work together to reduce prejudice and discrimination without kneeling.

[@nicolekolsky9576]

Thank you for being able to think and understand different perspectives

[@kevatlarge]

"We got dragged into this controversy".... BS.... all you had to do is stand at attention... no controversy.

[@finscreenname]

Key wrote his poem almost exactly half way between my house and the Ravens stadium. Been a Ravens fans since day one. I'm done. Disrespect my flag and national anthem in a foreign country I'm done with you. The Ravens need to think about that they play all their home games on ground that the war of 1812 was fought on. Show some fucking respect you hypocrites.

[@matthewgeddis8870]

Kneeling during the National anthem is disrespectful

[@Raymel2366]

Alejandro Villanueva: The Lone Steeler

[@matthewdellarocco]

*raven

[@Sneaky-Sneaky]

I stand 1000% with the LONE RANGER !!! The coach and the rest of the team can screw off !!!

[@mattjohnson1333]

To this day, no longer support Steelers, they displayed cowardice. It’s at the heart of that organization.

[@aaronlarsen8412]

Mike Tomlin said that he doesnt want the national anthem to distract them while they play football

[@Aiden-on2fk]

Respect for both Villanueva and the Steelers

[@vktesla]

Proud of you Villie, your a real man. You should be ashamed to be on a team with a bunch of scumbags that don't believe in American values. I'm sorry for that. So much for the players standing undivided.

[@duskthunder9274]

It's called freedom of speech which is a American value in itself very ironic if I do say so myself

[@Saucy_Lemon]

@@duskthunder9274that wasn’t freedom of speech, they didn’t say anything, they didn’t even show up because the Steelers are to much of a little bitch to show themselves during the anthem! 🖕🦅🇺🇸❤️

[@joeschlotthauer840]

Tomlin doing his best damage control, people just too dunb to see it. Classic case of the tail wagging the dog.

[@BigMike427]

Hell yeah!! Real leadership on the field!

[@johntoothman4888]

Remove us from the stadiums.....

[@devontasson6556]

Lmao

[@frankdasaintdituri9983]

my grandpa said it best DISGRACE

[@boost331]

Coach should be fired. And i agree with Trump. This country allows you to play a silly game and make millions of dollars. Its not a job. Its a game. Quit pouting, stand your ass up with respect or go stand in the unemployment line.

[@airpik8766]

I wonder what would George Halas say.

[@mrprincemusicandgaming]

WE WERE JUST GIVEN A FOLDED FLAG AT MY FATHER'S FUNERAL THIS PAST MONTH, AND UNTIL YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN A FLAG OR FAUGHT TO REPRESENT IT, YOU WILL NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS.

[@diondavoudian3487]

Villanueva you BEAST

[@matthewdellarocco]

And he just signed with BMORE

[@sicparvismagna7500]

Love it or hate it, the beautiful thing about it is they are free to do so as they please.

[@jcbutler9901]

The day the Steelers UN-did 4 Super-bowls and became a buch of punks

[@springstownewildcat]

Thank you Alejandro!!!

[@ryanwilliams560]

This is mike tomlins scarlet letter. He can win ever year but…

[@mydenmel]

❤️

[@howUlikemenow]

The great Rocky Bleier wouldn't have been caught dead sitting out the Anthem. Shame on Tomlin and protesting Steelers!

[@carlmurdock3595]

No more NFL (games or support of advertisers) for our family until that organization stops promoting and condoning disrespect of our flag and country.

[@duskthunder9274]

Till this day that never happened and tell me this did you seriously stop watching?

[@lulubaniqued6883]

Nfl players should not be involved in politics!!! Just play ball, PERIOD! Leave politics to the politicians Express your support to whatever when you are not working, for your you its playing!! You should kneel only for your CREATOR. YOU STAND FOR YOUR COUNTRY!

[@duskthunder9274]

It's not politics

[@maceymckinney7336]

This is bullshit. It is literally in the rule book that the players have to be present on the side lines for the national anthem. I think this is all wrong. I mean if u want to protest u can do the bullshit kneeling thing but you have to be there. And I am a Steelers fan. My family has season tickets every year and I root for them but I think this is disrespectful. They have no right to do this and I really believe they should be punished for it.

[@izzywoods5405]

welcome to the new America, the book of rules doesn't exist anymore.

[@StukInBuf]

¡Bien hecho, sirviente fiel! *¡VIVA VILLANUEVA!*

[@ghostknight2011]

Sirviente? Los hispanos somos conquistadores, no dejamos que nada ni nadie nos diga cómo actuar. Amamos la patria y patria es allí donde ponemos el pie.

[@franknbeans7745]

Not a Steelers fan but I respect you, you are standing for your lost brothers

[@grapeade6654]

alex is gud i stopped likeing my home team (giants) cause they didnt stand my dad has loved the giants since he was born and he was born in Maine

[@Big.304]

2:05 ceo of ya know

[@crbuck1858]

I hate the NFL so much college football is so much better the one player I really like on the steelers is leveon bell and Villanueva

[@phillipranck2164]

Earnhardt

[@streetspitzley5854]

Why did Mike Tomlin say that “people shouldn’t have to choose?” I think that Alejandro Villanueva chose to stand for those that fought and died for this country. He did the right thing. Not only did he stand for the anthem with his hand on his heart, he did what a US army ranger would do. Which is lead the way. He should be team captain, not Big Ben or whoever it is. Mr. Tomlin, you disgust me how can you live with yourself? I was offended when you said, “people shouldn’t have to choose.” God bless America, god bless Donald trump, and god bless Villanueva! His jersey is the only Steelers jersey I would get. Even though I’m a giants fan! I love you big al!

[@dorehoss5008]

If you BURN it or turn your BACK to it, IT'S ALL DISRESPECT!!

[@dougcooley2314]

Its good to know that theres still a few that support our american flag and what it stands for...

[@j.s.9861]

:50

[@RegGamerGames]

Awesome players. Standing for the anthem and for the flag shouldn't be a big deal. I ain't gonna stand for this damn country.

[@tristiansebastian5485]

The problem with sitting off field is now what are you going to do the rest of the games. Im glad this blew up in their face. Now Pittsburgh will be on the field from now on. Let each individual player do their own thing.

[@tonyparrish2063]

I was a Steeler fan for years, this crap needs to stop, Al is a Latino Patriot and a true warrior who has faced real adversity, most of these guys are nothing more than over paid entertainers, that have never looked death in the face, so to disgrace our country by acting like spoiled little bitches, to hell with the NFL, Al Villanueva, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you and fight the tyranny of these evil pricks, happy veterans day Al Villanueva, and to all of military vets and first responders helping to support our country, and for those of you who are offended by my comments, you can leave our country and go straight to Hell! God bless you Ranger, and God bless your family and God bless America! Tony Parrish....Cochise County AZ

[@freespeech8030]

A year later, and the NFL stadium attendance is terrible.

[@duskthunder9274]

Well now there is no attendance allthough viewership is higher than it has ever been in history^_^

[@williamjavier1653]

Rangers lead the way. E co. Recon. 2/503 173RD Abn. Brigade LZ English RVN. Over n out

[@Satawolf]

I don't think he gets it. He may possibly be problematic as well definitely uninformed to the issues. It's not about the anthem it's about systemic racism everyone in your team chose to. You are not a team player one and two you have no idea what some of your teammates face just for having melanin and existing in this country.

[@cherylheggstrom2529]

Black lives matter.what about chinese lives,Indian lives,white lives,japanse.jewish lives

[@cherylheggstrom2529]

,etc

[@fifty9forty3]

Coach Tomlin says "we are not politicians we are coaches, we are players and we got dragged into the controversy" but how did that happen coach? Was it the instigator Colin Kaepernick followed by others kneeling in "unity". Was it the gutless inability of the coaches and NFL to stand by your own rules that players would assemble ON THE FIELD, STANDING in respectful quiet with helmet in hand held over heart and FACING the flag while the anthem was performed? You allowed yourselves to be dragged into it by embracing it, expecting it, pressuring, threatening and humbling the unwilling to go along with the willing coaches, players, NFL and celebrity performers to participate in desecration of their own, OUR own anthem and flag. I have for years believed major team franchises were an overblown waste of time and money, thanks for the confirmation. The left is notorious for pressuring others to comply with their perverse and righteous views and political correctness perhaps the patriotic of both sides can give you numbskulls good cause for dropping to your knees or hiding in the tunnel.

[@KadenJohnson-pq6xj]

GOOD JOB STEELERS

[@samwood917]

Wow. I’m so disheartened to see so many negative comments. I know that a lot of these comments are old, but look at what is happening right now and tell me that drastic change is not needed in this country. If you guys don’t support kneeling for the flag, then you should actually prefer this, despite still bring a form of protest. I personally would have preferred if they had come out and kneeled, but I totally support their choices and it is utter bs to say that they are disrespecting the flag. The flag that does represent some good things and nobody is saying that the men and women fighting for our country don’t deserve respect, but the fact of the matter is that it also represents systemic racism, police brutality, discrimination, prejudice and more. That is what is being protested here. I will continue to be a Steelers fan and I respect all of the players, including Alejandro Villanueva, because they all have the right to protest or not protest how they choose. To see so many people who are fans of the same team that I am denounce and disrespect people for peacefully protesting is just horrible, and y’all should be ashamed of yourselves.

[@marywagner3644]

Fug nfl

[@jodyhunt4001]

If I had enough money to have a statue to commemorate this incredible, strong, and good soul, I would. I would not hesitate to give him a medal for having all odds against him to go out and stand for what was right. What a bright light we have in our country. I am proud his is a part of my country. My heart goes out to him for his bravery and loyalty to this country. I thank him for his service. NFL WILL NEVER BE BROADCAST IN PEACE IN MY PRESENCE. If you want to protest, learn how to fucking do it right and legally. You did not get your point across to anyone. You literally just pissed a bunch of people off and now they do not give a shit what your cause is because you represented it so poorly. My hears are deaf to anything you have to say. If you do not like America, there are over 200 more countries to move your ungrateful, disrespectful asses to.

[@JohnRidersoldoutforjesus]

I would say tat the media sure picked and chooses what fans they asked about how they feel about this. Everyone I know is pissed and will not be watching until they say sorry. They think it is BS, and that those involved in the protest can go to hell.

[@STP43FAN1]

He's the real hero in this fiasco - his teammates are gutless.

[@stacey5974]

87!

[@marksymbala1193]

Come on give Tomlin some credit.

[@michaelmclaughlin261]

#PittsburghKneelers

[@Happy63funny]

And we chooose to remove ourselves from your viewership.

[@zerocool4835]

It's about America playing a American sport, don't like it find a place you want to work in!!!!

[@Travis-.]

Rangers lead the way hooah

[@KurtisCardwell]

RLTW

[@alancummings4304]

Bunch of THUGS.

[@daviddelarosa5196]

u dont have to like usa hell u dont have to live here either . u can leave if u guys think u have it so bad here. i also support the right to protest however not like this . respect the usa the usa respects your decision to protest. but again this isnt an appropriate manner for it

[@theferrones]

The steeper’s should spread the love of football to Cuba and stay there or Valenzuela even .

[@poopsock7493]

They need to go live in Iran then.