The national anthem before Monday Night Football between the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles had plenty going on. But the moment drawing the most attention came from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Mariachi Herencia de México performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" as players and coaches from both teams stood along the sidelines. Williams, however, was on the move.
Walking Through the Anthem
ESPN's national broadcast caught Williams pacing along the Bears sideline while the anthem played. He looked like he had somewhere else to be.
He didn't. Williams is sidelined with a hamstring strain suffered in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings and could miss a few more games.
That made the scene even more puzzling. A player too hurt to take the field was still walking around during the anthem.
The Mariachi Herencia de México performed the national anthem in Chicago 🎶 pic.twitter.com/6Sv20SBqIr
— ESPN (@espn) September 29, 2026
What the Flag Code Says
Anthem etiquette isn't a mystery. The U.S. Flag Code, available on a government website, says everyone present who isn't in uniform should stand at attention, face the flag, and place their right hand over their heart.
That guidance dates back to 1942. It was updated in 1976 to add that men should remove their hats and that people should face the music even when no flag is displayed.
The code carries no penalty, but it has long been the standard for showing respect. For many Americans, it's simply what you do when the anthem plays.
Not the First Time
This isn't the first time Williams has drawn attention during the anthem. Last season, he was seen trying to talk to a teammate on the sideline while it played.
Whether it's a lack of awareness or a lack of interest, the 24-year-old's behavior struck many as disrespectful. Critics argue it's part of a broader decline in how young Americans are taught national traditions.
Woke up and it hurts when I swallow pic.twitter.com/L02nwlWsB8
— ClarkisKing (@clarkisking1) September 21, 2026
Mixed Reactions
Plenty of fans voiced frustration on social media. Others brushed it off as a harmless moment not worth the fuss.
For Bears fans, the bigger concern may be how quickly Williams can get back on the field. That could take a while.