DAVIE, Fla. – Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas and linebacker Jelani Jenkins both say they have received death threats for taking a knee during the national anthem this season.
Thomas and Jenkins were joined in their protest of social injustice by teammates Arian Foster and Kenny Stills during their season opener in Seattle.
Jenkins told the Associated Press that he would not be kneeling during the Dolphins' home opener Sunday against the Browns.
Thomas talked to Local 10 on Wednesday about the reaction he's received, "we are just continuing to do our part to keep this conversation going.
"You don't want to stop here.
If people want to keep focusing on the method and not the message, that's on them."
Thomas told ESPN of the death threats, "racism is alive and well.
Of course I've gotten that.
I don't respond to that."
Thomas and Jenkins participated in a town hall meeting with law enforcement leaders at the Dolphins' team meeting room on Tuesday.
Thomas said of the town hall meeting, "it was great to hear the perspective of our law enforcement, because obviously their voice counts.
It was great to hear that they honestly felt that there is a problem and it's going to take maybe changing that culture of policing.
So to hear that coming from them, we weren't necessarily expecting to hear that from them, so that was great.
That was powerful."
Thomas was asked about a special tailgate on Sunday designed to bring community leaders and law enforcement together, "I love the fact that our organization is taking these steps forward.
Community leaders and law enforcement are willing to step forward and try to find these solutions.
When it comes to this tailgating they're inviting all; the fans, community leaders, politicians, law enforcement, to come out and let's have these conversations and find solutions."