#Emily Mayfield a ‘proud wife’ after Baker Mayfield’s anthem stance

Emily Mayfield called herself a “proud wife” on Saturday, the same day husband Baker Mayfield spoke about changing course on his national anthem stance.

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, the third-year Browns quarterback elaborated on his decision to stand for the anthem this season, three months after declaring he would “absolutely” kneel.

“After watching Thursday’s game and also watching the Dolphins player’s video.. it shows that it is not about who is standing or who is kneeling for the anthem. But instead, coming together and taking action to create real change,” Mayfield wrote on social media, referencing the Chiefs-Texans moment of unity Thursday that resulted in backlash.

“Also after reading many letters and messages over the past few weeks… I have been showed that a gesture such as kneeling will only create more division or discussions about the gesture, rather than be a solution towards our country’s problems at hand. With that being said, I am choosing to stand for both anthems to show respect, love, and unity to everybody involved,” he continued.

Mayfield, who is also part of the Browns’ 11-player social justice leadership committee, added he “will respect all of my teammates no matter their decision.”

“We have had meaningful discussions on what true change looks like, and that change takes all of us being together. My heart is even more passionate than it was months ago, due to the fact that we are not close to being where our country needs to be. I love this country, but these challenges and adversity are an opportunity for much needed change for issues that have been going on for far too long,” Mayfield posted. “It is going to come down to how we handle adversity and taking advantage of our opportunities.”

Mayfield concluded he chose to post his message Saturday “so it is not a discussion on game day.”

“And so the discussion can continue to be about how to better our country, instead of divide us,” he wrote. “Our team is ready to fight for our goals both on and off the field.”

Emily, who has been married to Mayfield for a year, re-shared his message to her Instagram story, adding the comment, “Proud wife.”

Earlier this summer, Mayfield stated he would kneel this season to support protests of social injustice, police brutality and racism. Last month, he defended his stance to do so.

The Cleveland Browns open the season Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.