As the national anthem played prior to the start of the Steelers’ regular season opener at Acrisure Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers Sept. 10, players on both sides of the field stood along the sideline listening to the song. One player, however, stood at perfect attention, his chin in the air, his back rigidly straight at attention, helmet tucked under his left arm.
For Steelers defensive back Elijah Riley, hearing the anthem is always a little different, has a little more meaning.
The West Point graduate knows the history of those who have served and sacrificed before him. He also knows all the hard work he put into that moment to be on the roster of an NFL team on opening day.
“It was my first opener. It represents something bigger than me,” Riley said. “It represents my classmates. The people who have done it before me. The people who are doing it now. Service, and just kind of my journey from where I was to where I am now. That was such a big part of who I have become and I have a much greater appreciation for it now that I represent it every day. It’s something I’m very proud of.
“Guys do what they do during the national anthem. And I’ve got respect for whatever they do during the national anthem, as long as there’s an appreciation for what it means. Coming out of West Point, it’s really about the brotherhood.
