A pregame video montage saluting America before the Super Bowl was met with criticism on social media from critics who suggested the piece flew in the face of Colin Kaepernick’s social justice message.
Set to Johnny Cash’s Ragged Old Flag, the video honored 2014 Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter and victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It featured imagery of the American flag and other symbols of the United States.
Before leaving the NFL, Kaepernick protested police violence by kneeling during the national anthem before games and said the American flag does not represent his values. Many referenced the former San Fransisco 49ers quarterback’s demonstration in their criticism.
You can’t tell me the choice of Johnny Cash doing Ragged Old Flag wasn’t about Kaepernick https://t.co/qFOKN5D1rt
— Jack McLoone (@jfmclooney) February 2, 2020
Resenting Johnny Cash being used for this “Don’t Kneel During the Anthem” PSA #SuperBowl
— Peter Ramsey (@pramsey342) February 2, 2020
Super Bowl Sunday was everything wrong with America:
– One side a star player is an avid Trump supporter
– The other side fans are mocking indigenous people
– Ads from the NFL, Trump, and Bloomberg capitalizing on Black trauma they help create and stifle efforts for change pic.twitter.com/DCBKADA9jh
— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) February 3, 2020
Others, however, said they found the video inspiring.
“The Ragged Old Flag” segment on Super Bowl pre-game show is the best thing we will see today. Well done @FOXSports @NFL
— Edward Burch (@EdwardBurch) February 2, 2020
Fox nails it with Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag.” #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/sJV4sIQfIi
— Austin Kellerman (@AustinKellerman) February 2, 2020
Folks, when I watched this tribute to the American flag I was brought to tears. So powerful.
So, grab some kleenex and watch this amazing ad – you will thank me. I promise. https://t.co/okX2IoQuwp
— Wayne Dupree ?? (@WayneDupreeShow) February 3, 2020
