Julius Thomas, Michael Thomas and Kenny Stills knelt during the anthem before Sunday night's game between the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders.

The three players waited in the tunnel during the anthem before recent games. Adam Gase had established a team rule requiring players either to stand for the anthem or stay in the tunnel.

The players, however, told Gase they felt waiting in the tunnel was interfering with their game preparation. According to a source, Gase expressed his preference for standing during the anthem but respected their right to express themselves and relaxed the team rule.