The Browns, whose players participated in some of the most visible protests during the national anthem in the preseason, took a novel approach in the season opener at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Before the national anthem, the stadium's video screens played a video discussing racial inequality in the U.S. Afterward, the players stood on the field for the national anthem.
A special message on unity and equality from members of the Cleveland Browns. pic.twitter.com/CvyTdgTaIS
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 10, 2017
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The short video, just less than a minute in length, featured messages from several players, including Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas, quarterback DeShone Kizer, linebackers Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey, and coach Hue Jackson.
According to NBC Sports' Mike Florio, the players got the idea for the video after talking with former Browns great Jim Brown during the preseason. Brown has been vocal in his support for the message about social issues Colin Kaepernick and others have tried to spread through national anthem protests, but has encouraged them to find an alternative method.