CLEVELAND _ In a show of unity, Browns players, 20 police officers, 10 military personnel, five firefighters and five EMTs ran out of the tunnel at FirstEnergy Stadium before Sunday's regular-season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Then they all stood together for the national anthem and were joined on the sideline by Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam as the song played. Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams was among those who participated.
Many of the players locked arms with each other and with first responders. Dee Haslam locked arms with tight end Seth DeValve and a police officer.
Before the anthem, a video also played on the scoreboard in which Browns players spoke about unity, cooperation and equality at a time when the country has been divided.
A dozen Browns players kneeled in prayer during the national anthem Aug. 21 before a preseason game against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in an attempt to use their platform to raise awareness about racial and social injustices.
Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association President Steve Loomis said last week his union members would not hold the flag during the anthem before the opener because of the silent demonstration by Browns players.
But Loomis reversed course after Williams met with a group of Browns players and the Haslams on Thursday at team headquarters and discussed how everyone could best use their platform to send a message. The players asked the Haslams and police to join them on the sideline to show unity.
"We appreciate it because our message was never against [police] nor the military," running back Duke Johnson said Friday. "It was just about right or wrong. We appreciate them for taking part."
Browns players will to continue work throughout the season on encouraging dialogue with local police and joining them for community events.
