Vice President Mike Pence tweeted that he left Sunday’s NFL game between the 49ers and Colts game in Indianapolis after players protested during the national anthem.

For the second consecutive week, several 49ers knelt during the national anthem. The NFL protests are in response to incidents of social injustice and police brutality and recent comments by President Donald Trump about the NFL and its players.

The Vice President was in his home state to celebrate the Colts career of Peyton Manning and the quarterback’s induction into the team’s Ring of Honor.

Vice President Pence later tweeted a statement further detailing why he left the game.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Georgia State head coach Jonas Hayes greets Kennesaw State head coach Antoine Pettway before their game at the Georgia State Convocation Center, Friday, December 6, 2024, in Atlanta. The game between Kennesaw State and Georgia State is referred to as the I-75 Challenge. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez