Former Cleveland Browns star Joe Thomas may no longer be on the field protecting quarterbacks from pass rushers, but he is still standing up for what he believes in—this time, defending the national anthem from critics.
Earlier this week, a TikTok video surfaced showing patrons at a chain restaurant spontaneously standing up to sing the national anthem. The caption read, “I was in this restaurant minding my business and all the white people stood up and did this [expletive].” The person who posted the video was visibly annoyed by the impromptu display of patriotism.
In response, Thomas took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his thoughts, delivering a fiery rebuttal: “I’m sorry you were offended by your country’s national anthem…hopefully you enjoyed the brisket at least!” His comment quickly gained traction, with many NFL fans praising him for his defense of the anthem.
“Love this country, love the Browns, love JT and love me some BBQ,” one person wrote, encapsulating the sentiment of many supporters. Another fan replied, “You are a true American, thank you for your voice! I am a Cleveland man until death and this is amazing coming from you.”
Thomas, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, is well-known for his kindness and sportsmanship. However, he made it clear that he won’t stand by while others mock the national anthem. His stance resonated with many who appreciated his blend of patriotism and straightforwardness.
As a celebrated figure both on and off the field, Thomas’s response highlights his commitment to his values.
His willingness to speak out on social media demonstrates his dedication to defending traditions that are important to him and many others.
Joe Thomas’s actions remind us that standing up for what you believe in doesn’t end with a sports career; it continues in all aspects of life.
His recent defense of the national anthem is just another example of how he continues to inspire and connect with fans, showing that his impact reaches far beyond the football field.
