Tom Brady: I locked arms with my teammates to show my ‘great love’

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said he chose to lock arms with fellow players to show solidarity rather than kneel during the national anthem.

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Brady — who has described President Trump as a friend, something Trump bragged about on the campaign trail — said he wanted to show his “great love” for his teammates through the gesture, according to the Boston Herald.

About 16 Patriots players knelt during the national anthem Sunday.

“I just think there’s just great love for my teammates,” Brady said, according to the Herald. “I got a lot of love and respect for my teammates and opponents.” 

Brady refused to address Trump’s comments attacking players who kneel any further.

“I speak for myself and I believe what I believe. As you guys know I’m a very positive person. I try to lead by example,” Brady said.

Trump tweeted earlier Sunday that “standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable.”

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick refused to discuss the protests or Trump’s comments after the game, saying he’ll “deal with that later.”

Patriots owner Robert Kraft came out against Trump’s remarks earlier Sunday, saying he supported players’ right to protest.

Trump has close ties to the Patriots. Kraft gave Trump a Super Bowl ring during the Patriots’ visit to the White House to mark their latest championship.