The Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans stayed off the field as the national anthem was played Sunday ahead of their game in Nashville.

“As a team, we have decided we will not participate in the national anthem,” according a Seahawks statement issued about 30 minutes before kickoff.

“We will not stand for the injustice that has plagued people of color in this country. Out of love for our country and in honor of the sacrifices made on our behalf, we unite to oppose those that would deny our most basic freedoms. We remain committed in continuing to work toward equality and justice for all.”

The host Titans used nearly the exact words in explaining why they wanted to steer clear of the anthem controversy.

“As a team, we wanted to be unified in our actions today,” the Titans said. “The players jointly decided this was the best course of action. Our commitment to the military and our community is resolute, and the absence of our team for the national anthem shouldn’t be misconstrued as unpatriotic.”