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Lions rookie Malcolm Rodriguez reflects on lineage from Cherokee Nation, Mexico

Related Topics: Cherokee Nation

Allen Park — In October, the NFL celebrated the league's ever-expanding diversity with more than 200 players wearing helmet decals of flags from countries that represented their nationalities. Those flags reflected the player either living in that country for two years or more or having a parent or grandparent born there.

The Detroit Lions had several participants, including Malcolm Rodriguez, one of 10 players around the league to don a Mexican flag.

"Having a chance to honor my heritage means everything, especially for my grandparents," Rodriguez told the team's website. "I just want to show respect for the culture and ethnicity that we have in my family.