Eagles, Giants stand united during anthem

Sep 25, 2017 - 3:21 AM PHILADELPHIA -- Before they battled for 60 minutes in a wild NFC East game, the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants were united on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.

Three-and-a-half hours before Eagles rookie kicker Jake Elliott blasted a 61-yard game-winning field goal for a 27-24 victory, players on both teams locked arms, respectively, on their sidelines during the national anthem.

Philadelphia safety Malcolm Jenkins and wide receiver Torrey Smith raised their fists in the air.

Three members of the Giants -- safety Landon Collins, defensive tackle Damon Harrison and defensive end Olivier Vernon -- kneeled during the anthem.

The strong reaction came after President Donald Trump said Saturday that players should be fired for protesting the national anthem.

"At this point, it's due time for people to use their voices they have," Jenkins said. "Players stood on their own platforms and have taken the brunt of it this whole year. I think as people continue to push for divide and division, I think it is important for those in the league that are teammates to be able to support those that are really trying to make an impact on communities."

Even Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie was on the sideline during the anthem and his arms were locked with linebacker Brandon Graham.

The team had a meeting about the issue before the game.

"I was fine with it because it shows that we're together no matter what," Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson said. "It's no disrespect to the flag as much as people want on Twitter to talk about it. I thought it was cool."

Giants coach Ben McAdoo was in no laughing mood after an 0-3 start and he had an equally strong reaction to Trump's message.

"We talked about it pregame and opened it up to where we can stand united as a team," McAdoo said. "It seems like the message we are getting from the White House is that they are trying to create division in this league, whether it's with a team, or whatever the case may be, and doing things on an individual basis, maybe playing into their hands, so we need to stick together as a football team. Going back to the message where we practice empathy here.

"I believe in it and I'm not sure how much the President can empathize with our players and the way they grew up. They grew up a lot different than a lot of people."