The Texans have previously kneeled in protest as a team during the national anthem GETTY IMAGES
Texans and Chiefs players tonight are "expected to deliver some form of united demonstration on behalf of social justice changes in the wake of the recent spate of deaths of unarmed Black citizens," according to David Barron of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Texans DE JJ Watt said of plans, "There will definitely be conversations leading up to the game, whether it's within our team alone or with the Chiefs, however it may be, to make sure that whatever everybody does, we're on the same page" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 9/10). In L.A., Sam Farmer writes, "Everyone is anticipating some type of player demonstrations across the league." Chiefs S Tyrann Mathieu said, “I do 100% believe we have the organization’s support from top to bottom. Think whatever we do, we’ll try our best to display unity, togetherness. Even if that’s with the opposing team" (L.A. TIMES, 9/10).
CHIEFS PLANNING GESTURE: In K.C., Sam McDowell reports the Chiefs, with a "gesture they’ve declined to publicly reveal ahead of time ... expect to step aside from football and place the spotlight once more" on social justice. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: “I’m not worried about people and how they’re going to do negative stuff back to me. I’m worried about doing what’s right for humanity and making sure that all people feel equal" (K.C. STAR, 9/10). Also in K.C., Vahe Gregorian writes under the header, "Patrick Mahomes’ Conscience And Character Will Guide Him Through Any Protest Dilemma." Gregorian: "If we’ve learned anything from Mahomes these last few years, on and off the field, it’s that he possesses a unique internal compass that enables him to navigate precarious situations with clarity. He always knows where he stands, literally and figuratively, and who he is" (K.C. STAR, 9/10).
AROUND THE NFL: In Cincinnati, Tyler Dragon cites team sources as saying that the Bengals have had "internal discussions about staying in the locker room or kneeling during the national anthem" before Sunday’s game against the Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 9/10). In New Jersey, Andy Vasquez reports the Jets had a conversation this week on "how to best use their massive platform to make their voices heard." They used part of a team meeting that included players, coaches and team CEO Christopher Johnson to "discuss the polarizing issue of protesting during the national anthem." Together, they "came to a consensus of how what to do when the music starts to play early Sunday afternoon, before the season opener in Buffalo." But Jets QB Sam Darnold, on what he will do Sunday, said, “I haven’t thought about it too much. I’ve talked to some teammates about what to do, but I haven’t really come to a decision myself" (Bergen RECORD, 9/10).
