Some football fans have responded with literal fire after more than 200 NFL players took a knee during the National Anthem before their games on Sunday.
Almost instantly, videos and photos went viral across social media showing longtime fans burning their team gear and stating that they would no longer support the organization.
In many videos, angry fans claimed the NFL made the wrong decision by allowing players to kneel during the National Anthem. Some fans say they've been lifelong supporters of the NFL, but say they can no longer support the organization because of the lack of respect it shows for those Americans who served and gave their lives for the players, coaches, and owners to enjoy their rights and freedoms. Many fans retaliated by burning expensive jerseys, memorabilia, and player cards.
No worries, keep taking your knees and my family will stay warm burning the garbage that is your jersey's!!! pic.twitter.com/W499CmzHYy
— Trumps Bronco Family (@CRiowaBronc7s) September 24, 2017
losing fans #NFL has had for decades @nflcommish
— Saints Watch (@TheSaintsWatch) September 25, 2017
"My husband the diehard Giants fan burning his jersey" #BoycottNFL pic.twitter.com/tuFPwwhMML
Burning the Anti American Steelers jersey pic.twitter.com/YNDmO0IZdU
— 🇺🇸 Pokey 🇺🇸 (@Pokey1121916) September 25, 2017
NFL Ravens Protest. Ter. Suggs 55 Burning His Jersey.I Respect My President, My Flag and My Country, And Their Multi-Million $$$ Contracts!! pic.twitter.com/9a8Dkv2CqT
— Steven Harrigan (@tumok483) September 26, 2017
The Daily Mail detailed how Robert Williams, now a former Pittsburgh Steelers fan, felt about kneeling during the National Anthem:
"We stand for this country. We have morals in this country.... my great uncle's bones are lying in the bottom of Pearl Harbor for this country, for the flag, for your freedom to play in the NFL and to say whatever you want to say."
What started as a lone protest by now-unemployed 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick became a massive display after President Donald Trump criticized the NFL and their players at an Alabama rally on Friday for disrespecting the country and the American flag by allowing the players to kneel.
During the speech, the president told the crowd to leave football stadiums if they saw even one person kneeling during the National Anthem, and suggested NFL team owners should fire players who opt to take a knee rather than stand.
With the bold level of response that football fans have displayed since Sunday, it looks like NFL fans haven't been shy about who they're siding with.