Bryan Woolston/Associated Press Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield said on Instagram that he will "absolutely" kneel during the national anthem this season:
Mayfield added his name to a list of players and coaches who said they will kneel, including Washington running back Adrian Peterson, Chicago Bears safety Jordan Lucas and Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien.
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat or knelt during the national anthem during the 2016 season. He was joined by safety Eric Reid, among others.
Kaepernick received much criticism for the act, and the NFL even created a policy banning kneeling (it was eventually put on hold).
Kneeling during the anthem has received renewed attention amid worldwide protests against systemic racism and police brutality following the killing of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody on May 25.
The NFL appears to have changed its attitude toward protesting, with Commissioner Roger Goodell issuing an apology last week amid a video that also expressed the league's support for Black Lives Matter:
"We, theNational Football League,condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people," Goodell said (h/t Deena Zaru of ABC News).
"We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter. I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country."
That video followed one from NFL players to the league in which they stated their right to protest and called on the league tosupport them and take a stronger stance against racism:
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt also corrected a follower regarding his take on protesting during the anthem:
Some players who were fervently against protesting during the national anthem have also changed their minds, including New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
The NFL regular season is scheduled to begin on Thursday, Sept. 10.
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