As the NFL kicked off the 2020 season, the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs linked arms in the middle of the field for a moment of silence to promote unity. While the players joined together following the national anthem, a smattering of boos could be heard by fans in attendance. The Chiefs allowed about 17,000 fans into the Arrowhead Stadium.
In addition to playing the "Star-Spangled Banner," the NFL also played "Lift Every Voice and Sing." The Kansas City Chiefs linked arms on the field, while at least one player took a knee. The Houston Texans remained in their locker room during the two songs and came out for the moment of unity.
After the game, which the Chiefs won by a score of 34-20, Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt called the booing "unfortunate."
"The moment of unity I personally thought was good," Watt said. "I mean, the booing during that moment was unfortunate. I don't fully understand that. There was no flag involved. There was nothing involved other than two teams coming together to show unity."
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he did not hear boos.
"I thought that was kind of a neat deal, both sides coming together for a cause, and the story was told there," Reid said. "We can all learn from this, and really it's just to make us all better, even a stronger country than we already are. We have a chance to just be completely unstoppable when all hands join together, and that's a beautiful thing."