Some members of the Lions protest during National anthem at Ford Field
Lions players had not participated in national anthem protests before yesterday, but President Donald Trump's comments regarding the issue changed all that.
Defensive lineman Akeem Spence was one of eight Lions players who took a knee during the anthem to protest Trump's comments that NFL players should be "fired" by their owners if they don't stand up for the anthem.
Many other Lions players interlocked arms, including quarterback Matthew Stafford. Owner Martha Firestone Ford joined the peaceful protest, locking arms with coach Jim Caldwell and safety Glover Quin during the anthem.
Ford issued a statement denouncing Trump's statements, "Negative and disrespectful comments suggesting otherwise are contrary to the founding principles of our country, and we do not support those comments or opinions."
Team president Ron Wood said to the media before the game it was important to show support for the team's players.