Texans head coach Bill O’Brien has refreshing take on anthem controversy

Once again, the NFL and larger sports world has found itself mired in a National Anthem controversy following President Donald Trump’s decision to disinvite the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to the White House.

A lot has been written about the latest controversy. Opinions thrown around at every turn. From the NBA world to those in the NFL and President Trump himself, it seems that the entire point has been lost.

Such is the nature of the beast when it comes to an American landscape that’s seemingly as divisive as ever.

At the very least, we have one man who is looking at the bigger picture. In being asked about the Trump-Eagles controversy, Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien decided to instead focus on the community work that his players do.

It was something to behold.

Lost in all the drama is the fact that players around the league continue to give back to the community as a way to show altruism in a country that’s suddenly become too me-first.

O’Brien’s initial example is obviously what J.J. Watt did to help rebuild the lives of so many impacted by Hurricane Harvey back in 2017. But other Texans players and those around the league continue to fly under the radar for the work they do within the community.

Take two recent examples of altruism that would have gone unnoticed if it weren’t for those in social media pointing out good deeds. Just ask Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones and Arizona Cardinals tight end Jermaine Gresham.

Too often, we focus on what divides us as a people. It’s been a common theme throughout the years and decades. That’s no different today. O’Brien deciding to focus on what should unite us as a people shows exactly where he stands without the head coach giving his opinion on the National Anthem controversy.

Maybe we need more of this in the United States and around the sports world. Just some food for thought.