NAMES & FACES

Rex Ryan

The Buffalo Bills coach believes standing for the national anthem is a way for NFL players and coaches to show respect and give thanks to members of the armed forces, suggesting that he disagrees with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit during the anthem. “You’ve got to look at the gifts that we have; the opportunity that we have to play a great game is through the men and women that serve our country,” Ryan said Sunday. “And I think that’s an opportunity right there just to show respect.” Without mentioning Kaepernick, Ryan said he can appreciate how some players have personal or religious beliefs that lead them to not stand for the anthem. “Any time when I talk to our team about that, if there’s personal beliefs or whatever that keeps you from doing it, then I understand,” he said.

Victor Cruz

The New York Giants wide receiver’s take: “Colin is his own man, he decided to sit down and that is his prerogative, but on a personal standpoint, I think you have to stand up there with your team and understand and it’s this game and what’s going on around this country is bigger than just you . ... The flag is the flag. Regardless of how you feel about things that are going on in America today, and the things that are going on across the world with gun violence and things of that nature, you’ve got to respect the flag, and you’ve got to stand up with your teammates. It’s bigger than just you, in my opinion.”