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NFL anthem protest reaches a whole new level

The NFL's anthem protest has taken a giant leap forward, and not just due to the numbers of players involved.

Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson said last week his players should embrace the platform they have as NFL players to improve our community and use their platform in a positive, thoughtful and respectful manner.

The message was heard loud and clear as several of his players knelt in a circle on the sideline during the playing of the national anthem prior to Monday's game against the Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium.

While most of the Browns players stood on the sideline, at least seven players formed a circle and took a knee behind the line of standing players and coaches.

Among those kneeling were linebacker Jamie Collins, running back Duke Johnson and wide receiver Kenny Britt.

But it wasn't just the numbers in this protest that differentiated it from others we've seen over the past year in the NFL.

This time a white man joined in.

Cleveland Browns tight end Seth DeValve also took a knee on Tuesday (AEST), to show solidarity with his African-American teammates.

He becomes the first white man to protest the anthem at an NFL game, since Colin Kaepernick started the trend in the preseason of the 2016 season.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett earlier told ESPN the anthem process would take a giant step if a white player got involved.

"It would take a white player to really get things changed because when somebody from the other side understands and they step up and they speak up about it … it would change the whole conversation," Bennett said.

"Because when you bring somebody who doesn’t have to be a part of [the] conversation making himself vulnerable in front of it, I think when that happens, things will really take a jump."

Coach Jackson said last Monday he'd prefer if his players did not protest the anthem, but clarified that comment on Thursday.

"There are issues in our country right now that are far bigger than football and I understand that and respect that as well," Jackson said as part of a prepared statement. "The issues do impact our players and will compel them to react in many different ways."

Several NFL players, including former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Eagles cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, have protested the "Star-Spangled Banner" to place a spotlight on police brutality and other racial injustices.

In additon to Collins, Johnson and Britt, other kneeling players identified by Cleveland reporters were tight end Seth DeValve, receiver Ricardo Louis, linebacker Christian Kirksey, running back Terrence Magee, safety Calvin Pryor, running back Isaiah Crowell, cornerback Jamar Taylor and rookie safety Jabrill Peppers, who had a 31-yard punt return after the Giants went three-and-out on their first possession.

"As an organization, we have a profound respect for our country’s National Anthem, flag and the servicemen and servicewomen in the United States and abroad," the Browns said in a statement released during Monday's game. "We feel it’s important for our team to join in this great tradition and special moment of recognition, at the same time we also respect the great liberties afforded by our country including the freedom of personal expression."

Each of the Giants players and coaches stood during the anthem.