Malik Jackson: Washington Football Team did not want to kneel With Eagles before kickoff

The Washington Football Team and Philadelphia Eagles linked arms at midfield for a moment of unity as “Lift Every Voice and Sing” played prior to Sunday’s Week 1 game. Yet, that was not the initial plan of the Eagles.

Eagles defensive tackle Malik Jackson told reporters Wednesday, Philadelphia wanted Washington to take a knee with them right before the opening kickoff. However, Washington declined.

The Eagles then went back to their locker room as Washington went to the sideline to kneel.

“Unfortunately, we could not get the Washington Football Team on board,” Jackson said, per Chris Franklin of NJ.com. “We wanted to do what they did in the Premier League where they take a knee.”

While Washington players stood during the national anthem, Philadelphia remained in their locker room.

Jackson expressed players should be making stronger statements than holding arms to leave a more lasting impact.

“I just really hope that we could do something that people could truly say how they feel, not during the anthem because I personally feel we should stand for that, but another time. There are a lot of moving parts, and hopefully, we can get something together where we are making real statements and not holding arms.”