London – In accordance with the plan announced earlier this week, New Orleans Saints players knelt prior to the singing of the national anthem Sunday, then stood for the actual singing, many with hands over hearts.

Quarterback Drew Brees announced via Twitter on Friday that that was the approach the Saints would take at Wembley Stadium, a week after about 10 of them sat on the bench during the playing of the anthem at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., with four teammates standing in support by placing a hand on their shoulders.

Saints players said they believed Sunday's approach best would exhibit their unity and concern regarding the original purpose of Colin Kaepernick's protest, while also showing their respect for the American flag and anthem.

Kaepernick, a former NFL quarterback, began kneeling during the anthem last season as a means to call attention to, among other things, police brutality and racial inequalities.