The Miami Hurricanes all-time leading rusher Duke Johnson was one of several players on the Cleveland Browns who sat during the national anthem in the Browns second preseason game against the New York Giants.
An Associated Press report said that the group of Browns Players “huddled together on the team’s bench to protest during Monday night during the national anthem”. Miami Hurricanes alum and the school’s all-time leading rusher Duke Johnson was among a group of about a dozen players to participate in the protest.
The Associated Press reported that the group included a mix of veterans and rookies, starters and backups. Some of the other big names included Linebackers Jamie Collins, running back Isaiah Crowell, safety Jabrill Peppers, and wide receiver Kenny Britt.
Johnson joined that group in dropping to one knee in a circle. Rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer, punter Britton Colquitt, and defensive back Jason McCourt stood and supported their teammates by putting their hands on their shoulders according to the AP. Colquitt was one of two white players to take part in the protest.
The protest was the largest since the movement was started last season by former San Francisco 49ers free agent Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick is currently a free agent. Some have contended he is being blackballed by the NFL owners.
The AP republished a statement released by the Browns at halftime discussing the protest.
"“As an organization, we have a profound respect for our country’s National Anthem, flag and the servicemen and servicewomen in the United States and abroad…We feel it’s important for our team to join in this great tradition and special moment of recognition, at the same time we also respect the great liberties afforded by our country, including the freedom of personal expression.”"
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Johnson has yet to make any comments about the protest. Nothing has been posted to his social media accounts either.
Although it was a preseason game the protest could have a bigger impact than many of the others.
It was the first to feature a white player kneeling, it came nine days after the unrest in Charlottesville, Virginia and it was nationally televised by ESPN as this week’s game on Monday Night Football.
After initially indicating he wished his players would not protest Jackson dialed his comments back a bit on Thursday. Part of his statement was:
"“As an American, I am of the belief that our unique strength is in the diversity of our nation. As an NFL Head Coach, I strive to have this same belief reflected in how I lead and value every player on our football team, as well as every individual within our organization.”"
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Johnson finished the game with nine carries for 28 yards. He also added one reception for three yards. Browns rookie and Miami alum David Njoku got in his first action of the preseason and the first of his NFL career with one reception for one yard.