Race and social justice took center stage during the NFL's opening weekend, when anthem gestures, unifying T-shirts and decals honoring victims of police brutality were methods players and coaches used to make their voices heard.
Add on an NFL-record 10 Black quarterbacks started Week 1.
Yet it was the Miami Dolphins, with coach Brian Flores' on-camera support, who made perhaps the most memorable statement before the games began. They released a video where 18 players called out the NFL's "fluff" reaction and team owners' lack of action in impacting real change.
It was the conviction of the Dolphins' message, not their decision to stay in the locker room during the playing of the national anthem and "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," that stood out.