The Mariachi Herencia de México, a Mexican mariachi band, performed the "Star-Spangled Banner".And while the anthem played , the two teams' players, coaches and others stood along the sidelines.But Williams was an exception.CALEB WILLIAMS AVOIDS MAJOR HAMSTRING INJURY AS MRI REVEALS A STRAIN BUT NO TEAR AFTER VIKINGS GAME SCAREWhile the anthem was playing, Williams was seen on the ESPN national broadcast pacing along the Bears sideline as if he had somewhere else important to get to.Williams , in fact, didn't have anywhere important to go because he isn't playing in this game – or possibly in a couple of others – while he recovers from a hamstring strain suffered in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings.And yet, the guy who cannot move well enough to play because a soft tissue injury is walking around during the national anthem.Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is helped off the field with an apparent injury against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., on Sept.
20, 2026.(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Maybe Williams doesn't know or doesn't care, but this is a ceremonial no-no at best and disrespectful at worst.The patriotic Code of Conduct for the national anthem is available online, through a government website.It reads:"During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart."FILE - Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass during an NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears Sunday, Jan.
5, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis.(AP Photo/Matt Ludtke, File)That, believe it or not, has been the code since 1942.In 1976, the code was amended to insert the requirement that "during the rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all persons present except those in uniform should stand at attention, face the flag, and place the right hand ov...