Players and coaches from all major sports are beginning to kneel during the national anthem in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. While it's become a popular choice to kneel, Benjamin Watson — a former member of the New England Patriots — defended standing during the anthem.

In his tweet, Watson points out that Americans have the right to stand during the playing of the national anthem. At the same time, the free agent tight end also knows that people have a right to kneel too.

With the NBA returning, the majority of teams have taken a knee during the anthem before games. In addition to that, players in the NBA are given a chance to change the name of their jersey to a phrase in support of Black Lives Matter. Both of these are things that are going to be taking place in the NFL in 2020 as well.

Back in 2016, when Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem, it was viewed as a bold decision. As a result, he was blackballed from the NFL and remains unsigned four years later. Fast forward to now and kneeling during the anthem is a popular choice for players.

Since the tragic death of George Floyd in police custody, there has been an ongoing conversation about racial injustice. Adrian Peterson, among others, has expressed their decision to kneel during the anthem in the 2020 season.

Even though Watson is retired, he understands that it's vital for players to understand why their teammates are kneeling or standing. Regardless of what players choose to do, Watson wants everyone to realize either choice is a right that they are given in this country.