<P> The protests began in the National Football League (NFL) after San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat and later kneeled during the anthem, before his team's preseason games of 2016 . Throughout the 2016 season, members of various NFL and other sports teams have engaged in similar silent protests . On September 24, 2017, the NFL protests became more widespread when over 200 players sat or kneeled in response to President Donald Trump's calling for owners to "fire" the protesting players . </P> <P> On May 23, 2018, the NFL commissioner and team owners approved a new policy requiring all players to stand during the anthem or be given the option to stay in the locker room during its performance . </P> <P> It is a tradition in the United States to play The Star - Spangled Banner, the national anthem, before sporting events . Those present are expected to stand at attention with right hand over heart . National Football League (NFL) players were not mandated to be on the field for the playing of the national anthem until 2009 . In 2016, the NFL has stated that "players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem"; its game operations manual reads that players "should stand" for the anthem . </P> <P> Americans are divided on the intended meaning of the anthem . Some believe it salutes military and police officers who have died on duty; for others, it honors the United States generally . Between 2012 and 2015, the Department of Defense gave $6.8 million to teams across all major sports in exchange for holding various military and patriotic events at their games, including the performance of the national anthem . </P>

When did the nfl start the national anthem
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