San Francisco 49ers player Colin Kaepernick continued his protest about racial inequality by kneeling as the national anthem was played before a 28-0 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Team-mate Eric Reid knelt with Kaepernick, while two others - Antoine Bethea and Eli Harold - raised fists during the Star Spangled Banner.
The game was broadcast nationally to a Monday Night Football audience.
The Rams' Kenny Britt and Robert Quinn also held their fists in the air.
Back-up quarterback Kaepernick has refused to stand for the national anthem to highlight what he says is oppression of black people in the United States.
His stance has divided opinion in America - Kaepernick's jersey is nowthe best-selling replica kit in the NFL,but opponents say he is disrespecting the American flag.