Delanie Walker: Tennessee Titans Tight End Gets 'Death Threats' After Anthem Protest

NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee Titans star tight end Delanie Walker, one of the team's most visible players, says he and his family have received death threats after the Titans chose to remain inside during the playing of the national anthem Sunday.

On Wednesday, Walker said that people who opposed the team's decision could stay home instead of coming to the game. On Thursday, he revealed his life — and those of his family —has been threatened.

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"First off, I’m going to say this: We’re not disrespecting the military, the men and women that serve in the Army. That’s not what it’s all about,” Walker said Wednesday, according to The Tennessean. “If you look at most of the guys in here – 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.”

Thursday, Walker engaged with hundreds with people via Twitter, eventually releasing a statement about what he and his family have faced since Sunday.

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
Delanie Walker

Meghan Linsey, who performed the anthem at Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, took a knee after her performance, echoing the original protest by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, intended to bring attention to police brutality and racial inequality. She too has received death threats.

In this Sept. 24, 2017, file photo, Tennessee Titans’ Delanie Walker (82), Marcus Mariota (8), Wesley Woodyard (59), Jurrell Casey (99) and Brian Orakpo (98) walk to the field with arms linked after the national anthem had been played before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Nashville. (AP Photo/James Kenney, File)