Alejandro Villanueva said he feels as though he won the lottery three times every time he is paid to play a football game in America. And, no matter where he is or what he is doing, he said he stops and sings every word of the national anthem whenever it is played.
It is not easy for Villanueva, the Steelers starting left tackle and a player of Spanish descent, to see someone, particularly a millionaire athlete, not support the country where he lives and works. Especially when Villanueva spent three tours of duty in Afghanistan as a former Army Ranger and saw minority servicemen lose their lives fighting to protect U.S. freedom.
That's why it's difficult for Villanueva to not be critical of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who did not stand for the national anthem before Friday night's home preseason game against the Green Bay Packers to protest what he called U.S. oppression against blacks and minorities.
"I agree that America is not perfect, I agree there are lot of issues with minorities in this country, I agree we should do something about it," Villanueva said. "But I don't know if the most effective way is to sit down when the national anthem of the country that is providing you freedom and providing you $60 million a year is the best way to do it when there are black minorities that are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan and protecting our freedom for less than $20,000 a year."
Villanueva was an active member of the U.S. Army from 2010 to 2013 before coming to the Steelers. He was awarded numerous medals for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal for Valor. His father was a Lieutenant Commander in the Spanish Navy and also worked for NATO.
It bothers him Kaeperinick has a platform to express his opinion because of the military members who died protecting the very same freedom that allows him to express his opinion.
"I just know I'm very thankful to be an American," Villanueva said Monday. "I will stand very proudly and sing every single line of the national anthem every single time I hear it. I will stop whatever I'm doing because I recognize I have to be very thankful to be in this country."
"I tell my teammates all the time, especially when they talk about contracts, I'm one of the cheapest left tackles in the NFL (but) just by being an American I've won three lotteries. And if you have a little money on top of me, that means I have 3 { lotteries.
"I've been very fortunate to travel a lot and see what it's like in different countries. I've experienced true racism that happens in Europe with a lot of minorities. It's very difficult for me to be here in America, as grateful as I am, in the best country in the world, and have people not be pleased about it."
Villanueva said he understands Kaepernick's right to speak and act freely, even if people don't agree with it. But, as an athlete who can use the media for a national platform, Villanueva said Kaepernick needs to be more careful.
"I think he's obviously upset and I think we all agree, the majority of America would agree, there's an issue with minorities in our country, the way some groups in our population are being treated," Villanueva said. "I just think not standing up for America is a little bit unfair on his part because he's not taking into consideration the minorities that are fighting for the flag, like myself, the thousands of people who lay their lives so he can express himself."
Villanueva's teammates agreed.
"I just wish people could talk openly without calling someone racist, without calling someone anti-American, and have a conversation about it," guard David DeCastro said. "I don't think people realize how good they have it in this country. It's not perfect, but there are a lot of things people take for granted. Obviously, there are things we've got to work on, but to disrespect the flag is pretty tough."
Defensive end Cam Heyward said the playing of the national anthem before a game is "the time I take very personal" and he uses the moment to "show dedication and salute" the military people who serve the U.S.
"I think I heard something where (Kaepernick) wasn't trying to offend the military because he has family from military," Heyward said. "But, at the same time, then use another forum, take the presser after a game or time to really address it. I understand you feel very strongly but there are still people that fight and respect your country."
Heyward was asked if it would bother him if one of his teammates elected to do what Kaepernick did before a game.
"No, it's not going to break my heart," Heyward said. "But, at the same time, I'm going to make sure I show respect. And he better have a damn good reason supporting why he doesn't want to do it."
