The national anthem was in the spotlight yet again.
- Dozens of protesters held rally
- Fans demanded NFL players stand for anthem
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers players stood for anthem Sunday
Many football fans watch the first moments of NFL games to see if players will stand or take a knee during the anthem.
That was certainly the case at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on Sunday.
A rally was held at Raymond James stadium, against those who refuse to stand.
Signs and flags lined Dale Mabry Highway as dozens demanded that players stand during the national anthem.
"Get up and stand," said Andrea Courtney, who attended the rally from Bradenton. "Show a little respect for the ones who came before you. That fought for your freedom to play football."
Organizers called it the "Stand for America" rally. Some protesters came from all over the state.
Dozens of protesters gathered outside Raymond James Stadium for the "Stand for America" rally. (Tim Wronka, staff)
Some said they were boycotting the games from now on, and they were also trying to get other fans to give up their tickets.
"I very seldom missed a game and now I won't watch it," and Jim Heckman, who drove up from Daytona Beach. "I'm done. I feel they have desecrated the flag in our country."
Other fans who walked by weren't as convinced that the player protests are that big of a problem.
"It's completely different from what they think it is," said Tampa resident Autumn Alexander. "It's really for inequality. It just happens to be during the anthem."
The protesters hope their message is being sent to the NFL.
Every Bucs player did stand up together during the anthem at the start of the game.