Won't disrespect flag: Star QB Drew Brees criticized for response to NFL players kneeling

New Orleans Saints star quarterback Drew Brees on Wednesday endured heavy criticism after he responded to a question about NFL players potentially kneeling during the national anthem when the season begins.

"I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country," Brees said.

He went on to explain that the American flag and the national anthem make him think of his World War II veteran grandfathers and of those who have sacrificed in other ways, including during the civil rights movement.

"And is everything right with our country right now? No it's not. We still have a long way to go," Brees said. "But I think what you do by standing there and showing respect to the flag with your hand over your heart is it shows unity. It shows that we are all in this together. We can all do better. And that we are all part of the solution." 

People including celebrity basketball star LeBron James, Richard Sherman of the San Francisco 49ers and Devin and Jason McCourty of the New England Patriots responded to Brees's comments. 

"I love and respect my teammates, and I stand right there with them in regards to fighting for racial equality and justice," Brees told ESPN. "I also stand with my grandfathers who risked their lives for this country and countless other military men and women who do it on a daily basis."

"I believe we should all stand for the national anthem and respect our country and all those who sacrificed so much for our freedoms," Brees explained via text message according to ESPN.

"That includes all those who marched for women's suffrage in the 1920s and all those who marched in the civil rights movements and continue to march for racial equality. All of us ... EVERYONE ... represent that flag. Same way I respect all the citizens of our country ... no matter their race, color, religion."