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HURST, Texas — Photos of NFL players refusing to stand during the national anthem have been going viral for weeks, including Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, but it’s a photo of a high school player — standing despite the pain — that’s making the rounds on Twitter.
Hurst L.D. Bell High School junior Vita Tonga had ACL surgery on Friday.
Young man had ACL surgery yesterday morning yet he stood for Our National Anthem. Vita you are a Hero. pic.twitter.com/rWiwA4p0t6
— Doug Brougham (@dmbrougham) September 11, 2016
He was on the sidelines just a day later, in a wheelchair, but when it came time for the anthem, Tonga took a stand.
“People give their lives just so I can stand up over here in the United States so, therefore, I feel as an American citizen, I should stand,” he said.
