when did nfl start standing for the anthem
U.S. national anthem protests (2016–present) It is a tradition in the United States to play The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem, before sporting events.[6] Those present are expected to stand at attention with right hand over heart.[7][8][9] National Football League (NFL) players were not mandated to be on the field for the playing of the national anthem until 2009.[10] It is also noteworthy this tradition did not acquire prominence as an official act until the twenty-first century. The NFL has stated that "players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem"; its game operations manual reads that players "should stand" for the anthem.[11]
Hail Mary pass Crowley often told the story of an October 28, 1922, game between Notre Dame and Georgia Tech in which the Fighting Irish players said Hail Mary prayers together before scoring each of the touchdowns, winning the game 13-3. According to Crowley, it was one of the team’s linemen, Noble Kizer (a Presbyterian), who suggested praying before the first touchdown, which occurred on a fourth and goal play at the Tech 6-yard line during the second quarter. Quarterback Harry Stuhldreher, another of the Horsemen, threw a quick pass over the middle to Paul Castner for the score. The ritual was repeated before a third and goal play, again at Tech’s six, in the fourth quarter. This time Stuhldreher ran for a touchdown, which sealed the win for Notre Dame. After the game, Kizer exclaimed to Crowley, "Say, that Hail Mary is the best play we've got." Crowley related this story many times in public speeches beginning in the 1930s.[2]