By Tim Kelly, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Friday evening, President Donald Trump blasted NFL players who peacefully protest during the National Anthem, saying that he wishes owners would "get that son of a b*tch" off the field when they "disrespect" the American flag.
Sunday, the NFL responded.
The entire Pittsburgh Steelers team, save for veteran Alejandro Villaneuva and coach Mike Tomlin, stayed in the locker room during the National Anthem in a peaceful protest to the President's sentiments. Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Kahn, while his team played in London this morning, stood on the field locked in arms with his players during the National Anthem. Even ESPN's Rex Ryan, who was a supporter of Trump's during his presidential campaign, admitted that Trump's comments "pissed" him off.
The Eagles, who welcomed the New York Giants to Lincoln Financial Field for their home-opener Sunday, stood hand-in-hand during the National Anthem to display unity. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie was among the team's executives on the field during the National Anthem, standing just feet away form Malcolm Jenkins, who had his fist raised in the air:
Eagles & Giants link arms, raise fists & kneel during national anthem.#TakeTheKnee pic.twitter.com/ldFUEJZvqS
— jordan 🌹🌹 (@JordanUhl) September 24, 2017
#Eagles Malcolm Jenkins with fist raised in air pic.twitter.com/AarqktinFV
— Sung Min Kim (@sung_minkim) September 24, 2017
The scene for the National Anthem. Both teams locked in arms. Collins, Vernon and Harrison kneeling on Giants sideline. pic.twitter.com/AdJVf50eOo
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) September 24, 2017
Additionally, numerous members of the organization took things a step further.
Lurie defended the right of his players to make a peaceful statement during the National Anthem, while talking about how the sport of football can be used to unite the country:
The best of us lend our compassion and determination to the aid of others.
Every day I see the genuine dedication and hard work of our players. And I support them as they take their courage, character, and commitment into our communities to make them better or to call attention to injustice. Having spoken with our players, I can attest to the great respect they have for our national anthem and all it represents. We at the Philadelphia Eagles firmly believe that in this difficult time of division and conflict, it is more important than ever for football to be a great unifier.
Numerous members of the Eagles also took to social media over the weekend to voice their displeasure with the President's comments:
More than ever we remain committed to advocacy 4 equality & social justice 4 all! @Eagles fans Join us in locking arms 4 unity in our city!
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) September 24, 2017
It's amazing that the most divisive person in this entire country is the President of the United States…he says whatever he wants
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) September 23, 2017
If a person wants the privilege of being the POTUS he must not disrespect every minority group in the country and say stupid things 🤷🏿♂️ https://t.co/9dtqq2QnBW
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) September 23, 2017
You are not in control. Sad! https://t.co/QQU90cuQSr
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) September 24, 2017
