All members of the San Francisco 49ers stood for the national anthem before last week's preseason opener, but other players around the league made silent protests.

John Lynch was asked on Wednesday if he supports, tolerates and/or has concerns about those silent anthem protests.

"We had a great deal the other day where we had four chairs up here, and there was Steve Young and Jerry Rice," John Lynch said. "And they talked about 'The 49er Way.' And I always thought that's one of the great things about this league. As a matter of fact, I think it's a great beacon for the rest of culture, in terms of the way it should be. You strive for a common goal, and you have unity.

"And I think this game brings people together. So I think personally when I see that, I think that's divisive. And I understand guys see things and they're not happy. They have that right. And I think we'll always respect people's rights. That doesn't mean I believe that. I believe this game should be celebrated for what it is. I think [it's] a tremendous unifier for our country and for the way things should be."