Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker says he and his family have received death threats since he commented on player protests during the national anthem.
Walker, 33, is in his 12th season in the NFL and fifth with the Titans. His team was one of three that remained in the locker room during the national anthem last weekend.
Walker defended the team’s actions and said this week that if fans don’t want to come to the games and support the teams as a result, that’s fine with him.
“First off, I’m going to say this: We’re not disrespecting the military, the men and woman that serve in the Army. That’s not what it’s all about,” Walker said in comments published by The Tennessean’s Jason Wolf on Wednesday. “. . . I’ve been in the USO. I support the troops. This is not about that. It’s about equal rights, and that’s all everyone is trying to show, is that we all care about each other.
“And the fans that don’t want to come to the game? I mean, OK. Bye. I mean, if you feel that’s something, we’re disrespecting you, don’t come to the game. You don’t have to. No one’s telling you to come to the game. It’s your freedom of choice to do that.”
Since making his remarks, Walker says he and his family have received death threats as well as “racist” and “violent” words.
Here’s what Walker wrote on Instagram Thursday:
Here’s the caption:
The Tennessee Titans fans are the best in the NFL. What we do on the field every Sunday would mean nothing without knowing we are supported by the city of Nashville and the fans that have been by our side over the years.
One of the many things I gained from spending time in the Middle East on the NFL’s USO Tour this spring, is an appreciation for America’s core values and an even greater appreciation for the men and women that defend those values. In being asked about our team’s decision on Sunday to stay in the locker room for the National Anthem, I used strong words to defend our right to make our own choices. Both my choice to spark dialogue for positive change and the fans’ choice to attend our games. It’s that freedom of choice that makes our democracy the envy of many around the world.
The death threats that my family and I have received since my comments are heartbreaking. The racist and violent words directed at me and my son only serve as another reminder that our country remains divided and full of hateful rhetoric. These words of hate will only fuel me in my efforts to continue my work reaching out to different community groups, listening to opposing voices, and honoring the men and women in the Armed Forces who risk their lives every day so that we may have this dialogue.
I am proud to represent the many faces of Titans fans and believe that only through a more respectful discourse can we achieves the goals of unity, peace and racial equality that I know we all strive for.
Titan Up
Even if you disagree with Walker’s actions and his words to the fans, there is no excuse for threatening someone’s life, using racist words, or threatening violence against them.
