On an NFL Sunday filled with protests against the American flag and national anthem, the most indelible image might have been former Army Ranger and Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Lineman Alejandro Villanueva.

The Army Ranger veteran stood alone with his hand over his heart. His team could not agree on a unified means of demonstration — stand, kneel, or sit — so they opted to remain in the locker room. The team’s leadership, however, was willing to make an exception for Villanueva, given his past military service which included three tours in Afghanistan.