17 Patriots take a knee during national anthem

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Dont'a Hightower and Malcolm Butler were among the nearly dozen Patriots players who took a knee during the national anthem on Sunday's game at Gillette Stadium.

Others on the team stood, but were locked arm in arm, including Quarterback Tom Brady. Brady stood arm and arm with Wide Receiver Phillip Dorsett.

Coach Bill Belichick remained standing, though separate from the rest of the team.

Part of the crowd booed the players taking a knee during the Star Spangled Banner.

The Houston Texans all stood, with their arms locked for the duration of the song.

Several other NFL teams have been standing arm in arm during the National Anthem Sunday following President Donald Trump's comments about the trend of players taking a knee during the National Anthem.

"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, you'd say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He's fired,'" said Trump.

On Sunday, Trump tweeted, calling for a boycott of the games in order to see a change.

Following Trump's comments and tweets, several NFL teams, owners and players have made statements.

Tom Brady posted on Instagram, calling for unity. 

"There is no greater unifier in this country than sports, and unfortunately, nothing more divisive than politics," said CEO owner Robert Kraft. 

Cox Media Group