Miami Dolphins' Michael Thomas tears up while responding to Trump's NFL insults

"You're a leader of the free world. This is what you're talking about?"

On Sunday, Miami Dolphins' safety Michael Thomas fought back tears when speaking out against President Donald Trump's criticism of NFL players who take a knee during the national anthem as a way of protesting.

During a rally speech Trump gave for senate candidate Luther Strange in Alabama Friday, the President got off topic, saying, "wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘get that son of a bitch off the field right now, he’s fired?’" It inspired a wave of protests during the NFL games Sunday when almost every team who played had players protest.

Thomas responded in the locker room after the Dolphins played the New York Jets with a very powerful message explaining why he feels personally attacked.

"As a man, as a father, as an African-American man, as somebody in the NFL that's one of those 'son of bitches,' yeah I took it personally... I got a daughter. She's gonna have to live in this world. I'm gonna do whatever I gotta do," he said while getting emotional.

It's safe to say he's inspired us.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
How to watch the NFL online for free
Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots

How to watch Miami vs. Ole Miss online for free
Matthew McCoy of the Miami Hurricanes

How to watch Indiana vs. Miami online for free
Omar Cooper Jr of the Indiana Hoosiers runs with the ball


How to watch Rams vs. Panthers in the NFL online for free
Ahkello Witherspoon of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma


NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!