The Steelers were one of three NFL teams not on the sidelines during the pregame playing of the national anthem Sunday, following tweets from President Donald Trump over the weekend criticizing players who have protested police brutality and racial inequality by kneeling during the anthem.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the decision for players to stay off the sidelines during the anthem was an attempt to not "play politics" and stay together as a team during divisive times. But the decision brought backlash from some fans, many of whom responded by posting videos of burning Steelers attire on social media.
Another posted a video of himself throwing his Steelers gear onto the ground. "Here's one of my several Steeler jerseys," he said. "You've messed up Pittsburgh Steelers. You've messed up NFL. Not anymore. Never again will I waste one minute of my life following the NFL or the Pittsburgh Steelers."
Of course, there are also fans who support the Steelers' decision.
Steelers offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva, a former Army Ranger, stood toward the front of the tunnel at Chicago's Soldier Field with his right hand over his heart during the anthem while teammates were mostly out of view behind him.
Villanueva jersey sales have seen a spike over the past 24 hours, according to ESPN's Darren Rovell.
