Northwestern players to lock arms when taking the field at Wisconsin

Pat Fitzgerald says it was the players' idea, and he supports them

When Northwestern takes the field against Wisconsin on Saturday, its players will do so with locked arms as many NFL teams did during the national anthem last Saturday.

Coach Pat Fitzgerald revealed the plan on Tuesday.

"Football has every race, every religion, guys from all over the country," said Fitzgerald, per the Chicago Tribune. "Different shapes, different sizes, not only at this level but I watch my [sons] play, and it's the same thing. It's a unifying force that, to me, has an opportunity to take the lead.

"I'm just really disappointed with the leadership that is being demonstrated. We need people in leadership roles to bring us together as a society, not to tear us apart."

The decision to lock arms was made by the players, and it's one Fitzgerald fully supports.

Northwestern players will not be on the field during the anthem, not due to any demonstration but just because the anthem will be played over 10 minutes before kickoff.

Northwestern players are on the field during the national anthem for home games, and Fitzgerald said Northwestern players would be allowed to express themselves before the team's next home game on Oct. 7 against Penn State.