Cowboys' Darren McFadden: Jerry Jones never pressured players to stand for anthem

Jerry Jones doesn't need to force his players to show their patriotism.

During an interview Wednesday with NBC Sports Radio, Cowboys running back Darren McFadden made it clear that the Cowboys owner has never demanded his players stand for the national anthem.

"He hasn't come in and said that to us personally," McFadden said. "For us as a team, that's something that we take pride in, so you know we want to go out there and do it the right way and just handle ourselves like we should."

Earlier this month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott retweeted a story that claimed Jones had threatened to kick players off the team if they protest the anthem by kneeling or sitting.

However, Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday that he simply wants his players to respect the flag and everything it represents.

"I just feel so strongly that the act of recognizing the flag is a salute to our country and all of the people that have sacrificed so that we can have the liberties we have," Jones said. "I feel very strongly that everyone should save that moment for the recognition of the flag in a positive way, so I like the way the Cowboys do it."

Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick remains unsigned following the backlash last year for kneeling during the anthem in protest against police brutality and racial injustice. However, other players around the league have begun to echo his protest this season in light of the violent white nationalist rally that took place in Charlottesville, Va., and President Donald Trump's controversial comments that followed.

Browns coach Hue Jackson recently said he prefers his players not to partake in the protest, though more than 10 members of his squad kneeled before Monday’s game against the Giants in the largest demonstration since it all began last preseason.