Mike Zimmer believes it is important for the Vikings to stand for the anthem

The Minnesota Vikings head coach was asked about the NFL’s new anthem policy on Wednesday and as usual, he was not afraid to share his thoughts.

This week is not only a time where the Minnesota Vikings and other NFL teams hit the field for OTAs, but the league’s owners are also gathering together to discuss and improve some of the NFL’s current policies and rules.

On Wednesday, the league announced a new national anthem policy for a 2018. The new rules require players and other team members to either stand if present on the field or remain in the locker room during the playing of the national anthem.

Shortly after the announcement, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer took to the podium after the team’s second OTA and was asked about the league’s new anthem policy.

Minnesota Vikings

Zimmer’s not one known to hold back from his true feelings about really anything and this continued to be the case when speaking about the anthem on Wednesday.

"“I was proud of my team last year. They stood for the anthem. I think it’s important that we stand for the anthem. I think it’s important that we represent our country the right way and the (American) flag the right way. A lot of people have died for that flag. That flag represents our country and what we stand for. So I think that’s important.”"

Whether or not people agree with the Minnesota head coach, his message is pretty clear in regards to what he expects from his players.

At the same time, Zimmer likely would not berate one of his players if they chose to remain in the locker room during the playing of the national anthem at anytime in the 2018 season.

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In 2017, no members of the Vikings roster or coaching staff kneeled during the playing of the national anthem. With the majority of their players from last year returning for 2018, this will likely be the case once again during the upcoming season.