From The Trussville Tribune Staff Reports
Former Clay-Chalkville and University of Alabama standout defensive lineman Quinton Dial expressed his personal beliefs about his country on the 9/11 weekend.
Quinton Dial at The Trussville Tribune Multimedia studio
photo by Pat Smith
Monday night, Dial attracted a lot of attention by helping hold a giant flag before his San Francisco 49ers faced the St. Louis Rams before a nationally televised game during the NFL’s opening weekend.
The 49ers shut out the Rams 28-0 and Dial’s expression of patriotism was viewed in light of quarterback Colin Kapernick’s and defensive back Eric Reid’s decisions to kneel during the playing of the national anthem to express their concerns with an inequities of the U.S. justice system.
Dial was relatively quiet about his actions after the game, preferring to talk about the win.
But on Instagram earlier in the day, Dial posted this: “To the men and women who serve this great country we thank you! To those who were affected by 9/11 we pray for you and your families! We will never forget you! Lord we pray for strength guidance and peace! Amen”
Dial starred at Clay-Chalkville, then at East Mississippi Community College before finishing his career at Alabama.
He was selected by the 49ers in the 2013 NFL draft, and earlier this year signed a three-year contract extension.
On Monday night, members of the national media quickly took note of Dial’s decision to help hold the flag prior to the 49ers game against the Los Angeles Rams.
“While Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid take a knee,” tweeted NFL network reporter Andrew Siciliano, “Quinton Dial does his part and helps hold the flag.”
“49ers defensive lineman Quinton Dial joined military members holding the flag for the anthem,” added Lindsey Thiry of the L.A. Times.
Both tweets quickly spread online, as did many from NFL fans who praised and thanked Dial for his expression.
32 Comments
Robert Laforte
way to go quinton class act
Shelley Luna
Representing well!
Tracy Layfield
Class Act Quinton Dial. #GOCOUGARS #ROLLTIDEROLL
Tracy Layfield
Class Act Quinton Dial. #GOCOUGARS #ROLLTIDEROLL
Deb Pat Dulion
Proud of this young man.
Deb Pat Dulion
Proud of this young man.
Philip Beaulac
Class act man. Much respect.
Philip Beaulac
Class act man. Much respect.
Judy AndBob Ping
So proud of him. He goes to our church….
Judy AndBob Ping
So proud of him. He goes to our church….
Cory Bradford
That’s my boy right there used to work with me real good guy right there
Cory Bradford
That’s my boy right there used to work with me real good guy right there
Rah Sun Atum
I bet you are lol
Rah Sun Atum
I bet you are lol
Rah Sun Atum
Not surprising lol
Rah Sun Atum
Not surprising lol
Rah Sun Atum
Good boy… now sit!
Rah Sun Atum
Good boy… now sit!
Rachel Cleveland
We need more of this today!
Rachel Cleveland
We need more of this today!
Bobby Addington
There’s you a great American man. Yes sir We live in Clay ourselves. Vietnam War Veteran. It’s a disgrace that anyone want stand for our flag and National Anthem. To many Soldiers have died fighting for this country. If you don’t like it here get out!
Bobby Addington
There’s you a great American man. Yes sir We live in Clay ourselves. Vietnam War Veteran. It’s a disgrace that anyone want stand for our flag and National Anthem. To many Soldiers have died fighting for this country. If you don’t like it here get out!
Scott White
Your just full of wise cracks aren’t you!!! Now sit!!!
Scott White
Your just full of wise cracks aren’t you!!! Now sit!!!
Rah Sun Atum
He’s being a good boy… like n!**ers are supposed to be that’s why you all applaud him…
Rah Sun Atum
He’s being a good boy… like n!**ers are supposed to be that’s why you all applaud him…
Helen Helton Lawler
Way to go thank you!!!!!!!
Helen Helton Lawler
Way to go thank you!!!!!!!
Emily Fields
We went to school with him, he’s such a great guy and continues to make CCHS proud!
Emily Fields
We went to school with him, he’s such a great guy and continues to make CCHS proud!
Donny Forbes
Iraq war vet here, and the rights I went to war for included sitting during the National Anthem. In fact I no longer put my hand across my heart nor salute when the Anthem plays, because I am less than pleased with my country at the moment. Protesting and using your freedoms is a better way of showing US pride than badmouthing those who do. But your right to insult people falls squarely under the rights I fought for.
Donny Forbes
Iraq war vet here, and the rights I went to war for included sitting during the National Anthem. In fact I no longer put my hand across my heart nor salute when the Anthem plays, because I am less than pleased with my country at the moment. Protesting and using your freedoms is a better way of showing US pride than badmouthing those who do. But your right to insult people falls squarely under the rights I fought for.