INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The Indianapolis Colts released a statement before Sunday night's game about their decision to kneel during the national anthem last week.
The statement, from the players, says the team "did not intend to disrespect" the flag, but chose to protest for injustices throughout the country.
"As NFL players, we have a platform. And as Americans, we have a responsibility to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves," the statement read.
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The Indianapolis Colts joined dozens of teams across the NFL last week when they chose to lock arms and take a knee during the playing of the national anthem.
No Colts players kneeled during the anthem before Sunday night's game against the Seahawks.
The team said they chose to kneel to raise awareness and continue "critical conversations about real equality, the injustices against black and brown people, police brutality, respect, unity and equal opportunity."
Colts players also wore special warmup shirts before the game. On the front, the shirts said "We will," and on the back, they said "Stand for... equality justice unity respect dialogue opportunity."
Stronger together. #INDvsSEA pic.twitter.com/dDEglz4nLh
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 1, 2017
The team said they plan to respect all forms of "peaceful protests" and that some players may kneel while others may stand during the national anthem, but they will support them no matter what their decision.
"What makes football so special is the way it brings people together - fans, players, coaches, all of us."
You can read the full statement from the players below.
A statement from our players: pic.twitter.com/B844SSbW73
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 1, 2017
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