NFL Players Bully Fans Just in Time for National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and right on cue, NFL players are putting on a prime-time example of unrepentant bullying by refusing to stand for the national anthem.
As the author of Stop Any Bully: A Family Plan for Taking Action, I feel it’s time to call this behavior out for what it is—bullying.
Bullies are notorious for throwing their weight around, seeing themselves as superior, and imposing their will on others. They justify their actions with excuses like, “They had it coming,” or “Someone’s got to teach them a lesson.” Sound familiar?
Now, NFL bullies are targeting the very fans who keep them in the spotlight. These are hardworking, loyal Americans who want to enjoy the game, not be insulted by the players they pay to watch.
When the national anthem plays, 70,000 fans stand in unity and respect for their country. It’s a powerful moment, charged with collective pride and anticipation. But lately, that moment has been hijacked.
Instead of igniting pride, it’s turned into a spectacle of division. What used to be the emotional start to a game has been transformed into a tense, awkward experience. It’s disgraceful.
The Bully Mentality on Display
President Trump expressed what millions of Americans felt when he criticized the kneeling players.
The players' message? They think we, the fans, are fools who need to be taught a lesson. That’s classic bully behavior—condescending, smug, and self-righteous.
These athletes have plenty of justifications for their actions, but here’s the truth: A bully’s excuses never matter. It’s their actions that count, and those actions are a slap in the face to the very people who support them.
There’s also internal bullying within NFL locker rooms. It’s clear that not every player or coach supports the kneeling protests, but peer pressure and intimidation are at play.
Just look at the case of Alejandro Villanueva, the Pittsburgh Steelers player and military veteran who stood alone for the anthem while his team stayed in the locker room.
His lone act of patriotism went viral, and his jersey sales skyrocketed.
But the next day, he apologized for standing. Why? I believe he was bullied by his teammates and coaches into retracting his stance. It’s a perfect example of how pervasive bullying has become in the NFL.
America Deserves Better
We love football, but we love our country more. What was once our favorite escape from the stresses of life has been hijacked by selfish players who believe they know what’s best for America.
These bullies may argue that they have a cause worth kneeling for, but here’s the reality: It’s not their platform. It’s America’s.
The American people have given the NFL everything—stadium tax breaks, TV deals, and ticket sales. But just as we’ve giveth, we can taketh away. The NFL is rapidly losing our money, our time, and our respect.
One thing is for sure—no one likes a bully.