delanie walker-death threats NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 26: Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at LP Field on October 26, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Texans defeated the Titans 30-16. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

On Wednesday, Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker said that if fans don’t like NFL players protesting during the national anthem, they have the option of simply not showing up. Here were the exact comments, via the Tennessean:

“And the fans that don’t want to come to the game? I mean, OK. Bye. I mean, if you feel that’s something, we’re disrespecting you, don’t come to the game. You don’t have to. No one’s telling you to come to the game. It’s your freedom of choice to do that.”

Naturally, some people nodded along to Walker’s point while others were upset by it. With an issue as inflammatory and polarizing as this set of protests, dissent and disagreement is inevitable. That’s how it goes.

What is not (or should not be) how it goes is that Walker apparently received death threats over those comments. In an Instagram post published Thursday night, Walker thanked Titans fans for their support, praised the military, then revealed what he and his family had dealt with in the preceding days.

“The death threats that my family and I have received since my comments are heartbreaking. The racist and violent words directed at me and my son only serve as another reminder that our country remains divided and full of hateful rhetoric. These words of hate will only fuel me in my efforts to continue my work reaching out to different community groups, listening to opposing voices, and honoring the men and women in the Armed Forces who risk their lives every day so that we may have this dialogue.”

The Tennessee Titans fans are the best in the NFL. What we do on the field every Sunday would mean nothing without knowing we are supported by the city of Nashville and the fans that have been by our side over the years. One of the many things I gained from spending time in the Middle East on the NFL’s USO Tour this spring, is an appreciation for America’s core values and an even greater appreciation for the men and women that defend those values.  In being asked about our team’s decision on Sunday to stay in the locker room for the National Anthem, I used strong words to defend our right to make our own choices. Both my choice to spark dialogue for positive change and the fans’ choice to attend our games. It’s that freedom of choice that makes our democracy the envy of many around the world. The death threats that my family and I have received since my comments are heartbreaking. The racist and violent words directed at me and my son only serve as another reminder that our country remains divided and full of hateful rhetoric. These words of hate will only fuel me in my efforts to continue my work reaching out to different community groups, listening to opposing voices, and honoring the men and women in the Armed Forces who risk their lives every day so that we may have this dialogue. I am proud to represent the many faces of Titans fans and believe that only through a more respectful discourse can we achieves the goals of unity, peace and racial equality that I know we all strive for. Titan Up

A post shared by delanie walker (@delaniewalker82) on

Walker’s post came shortly after Detroit Lions defensive tackle Akeem Spence revealed that his father lost work over his decision to kneel during the national anthem.

NFL players are protesting to call attention to the police violence that disproportionately affects black people, as well as other forms of racial discrimination, in the criminal-justice system and beyond. The fact that a black player risks death threats for speaking out only reinforces why players feel compelled to kneel.

[The Tennessean]

About Alex Putterman

Alex is a writer and editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. He has written for The Atlantic, VICE Sports, MLB.com, SI.com and more. He is a proud alum of Northwestern University and The Daily Northwestern. You can find him on Twitter @AlexPutterman.