Patriots Star Repeats Anthem Gesture at Super Bowl LX
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has once again turned his back on the American flag during the national anthem, this time at Super Bowl LX. The incident occurred as singer Charlie Puth performed 'The Star-Spangled Banner' before a capacity crowd at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.
Diggs' Repeated Action Sparks Controversy
This marks the second time Diggs has been observed facing away from the flag during the anthem. Previously, during the AFC Conference Championship game where the Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7, cameras captured the 32-year-old athlete similarly oriented toward the crowd as Nathaniel Rateliff sang.
At Super Bowl LX, Diggs was seen bouncing energetically while looking at the stands rather than the field. Following the anthem, he proceeded directly to the Patriots' bench and fixed an intense gaze on sections of the audience.
Social Media Backlash and Viewer Reactions
The gesture ignited immediate criticism across social media platforms, with numerous viewers condemning what they perceived as a disrespectful act toward national symbols.
One commentator stated: "Stefon Diggs turning his back to the anthem and flag is hilarious. What a moral high ground he has."
Another added: "Why did Stefon Diggs do jumping jacks with his back to the flag during the National Anthem? Very disrespectful!"
A third viewer remarked: "Just watched Diggs turn his back on the National Anthem. Wonder if he realises this accomplishes nothing but make him look stupid."
Context and Possible Motivations
While the action has drawn comparisons to former quarterback Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protest, sources suggest Diggs' behavior may represent a personal pre-match ritual rather than an overt political statement. The wide receiver has not publicly commented on the specific motivations behind his repeated anthem stance.
The incident occurred during Super Bowl LX, where the New England Patriots faced the Seattle Seahawks on February 8. The game was broadcast live with the authentic US feed available through streaming services.
