[HOLLYWOODREPORTER] Ben Roethlisberger on Monday afternoon released a statement saying he regretted his Pittsburgh Steelers boycotting the national anthem on Sunday.
The NFL team was the first of three to not come out for the pregame ritual.
"I was unable to sleep last night and want to share my thoughts and feelings on our team’s decision to remain in the tunnel for the National Anthem yesterday," the Super Bowl-winning QB said in a statement. "The idea was to be unified as a team when so much attention is paid to things dividing our country, but I wish we approached it differently. We did not want to appear divided on the sideline with some standing and some kneeling or sitting.
He continued, "As a team, it was not a protest of the flag or the Anthem. I personally don’t believe the Anthem is ever the time to make any type of protest. For me, and many others on my team and around the league, it is a tribute to those who commit to serve and protect our country, current and past, especially the ones that made the ultimate sacrifice."
Steelers' lineman Alejandro Villanueva, a former Army Ranger, stood an the entrance of the tunnel for the anthem. His jersey has been the top seller since that moment, according to Fanatics. The NFL shop also moved his jersey to the top spot on the team store page.
The other two teams to not come out for the anthem were the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks.
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