The NFL's security department is investigating after Tennessee informed the league of death threats to Pro Bowl tight end Delanie Walker and his family because of the anthem protests.
Walker disclosed the threats Thursday night in a post shared on social media. Walker told fans upset by the protests that they didn't have to go to the games if they felt disrespected.
"We had a discussion about it and have turned it over to the NFL, and will let them deal with it," coach Mike Mularkey said. "We're very comfortable and confident that it will all be settled. We did not make a big issue of it, but we are definitely aware of it. It's all out of our hands."
Mularkey praised Walker for his play, and his character.
"Everybody respects Delanie Walker," Mularkey said. "I know he's about as much of a pro as I've ever been around on and off the field. So that's important."
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Tennessee were one of three teams to stay inside the locker room last week, joining Seattle and Pittsburgh. Mularkey gave no indication of a plan for Sunday when the Titans (2-1) play at Houston (1-2).
"I think everybody has freedom of speech," Mularkey said. "They can do what they want to do."
Wide receiver Rishard Matthews, who announced his plans to kneel for the anthem until President Trump apologises for his remarks last week, was dismayed by the threats to Walker.
"We have a Pro Bowl player getting death threats," Matthews said. "That kind of speaks for itself. I saw the post and it was very unfortunate."
