President Donald Trump, whose controversial remarks Friday inspired an outpouring of protests before NFL games Sunday, checked in via Twitter in early afternoon to share his thoughts on events around the league.
The president, who earlier Sunday had tweeted that fans should boycott the NFL if the league didn't crack down on national anthem protests, apparently liked some of what he saw Sunday, specifically the players standing in solidarity.
SIGN UP to watch every NFL game this season on DAZN
The president tweeted, "Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our Country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings!"
Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our Country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
There were some unprecedented moments during pregame ceremonies before the 1 p.m. games. All of the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the exception of lineman Alejandro Villanueva, a U.S. Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient, stayed in the locker room during the national anthem at Soldier Field. Several NFL owners joined their players on the field in a show of support.
And more players than ever before knelt at games around the league.
Meanwhile, more NFL owners and teams sent out statements in support of their players.