This We’ll Defend!

“This We’ll Defend.”  That’s the U.S. Army motto that Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva honored when he stood for the national anthem before an NFL game.

And by “this,” the Army motto refers to the United States of America — not the National Football League.

Coach Tomlin was upset that the former Army Ranger put his country before his football team. Keep in mind that football players are traded all the time, so it’s not like the allegiance is two-sided.

Villaneuva played college football at West Point, where the motto is “Duty, Honor, Country.” Notice there’s no mention of a football team anywhere in that code.

After graduating, Villaneuva became an Army Ranger and served three tours in Afghanistan, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014 after briefly playing for the Philadelphia Eagles.

No one knows what Villaneuva’s future will be with the Steelers, but for grateful Americans, he has a place forever. Right here in our hearts.