WWE legend shares the importance of standing for the national anthem, working with US military members

Goldberg, whose real name is Bill Goldberg, appeared on NewsNation and told former Charlotte 49ers head football coach Bill Poggi that his respect, appreciation and admiration for those who have served in the U.S.military is the reason why he shows allegiance when "The Star-Spangled Banner" is played.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK PRO WRESTLING COVERAGEGoldberg enters the ring during Saturday Night's Main Event at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on July 12, 2025.

(WWE via Getty Images)"Well, especially in today's day and age when people like to forget history and people don't necessarily appreciate who came before them," he said."I stand for the national anthem and I put my hand over my heart because there's so many people who have put their lives on the line for people that they don't know just as a job to protect the country.

And that, in itself, is a reason to stand up and show allegiance.I cannot tell you the joy that I get out of seeing these men and women deployed and deriving some type of enjoyment and excitement to interact with someone such as myself.

So why wouldn't you spread that as much as humanly possible and make it part of every day of your life to try to put a smile on somebody's face and, in this case, a veteran who again put their lives on the line for people that they don't even know to serve their country?"So for me, if I can go out of my way to pat someone on the back and look them in the eye and say thank you and have them understand that it's truly coming from my heart with no ulterior motive whatsoever.I don't care about getting somebody taking a picture of me shaking somebody's hand and posting it and showing what a good guy I am.

That's not why I do it.I do it because I can look in their eye and see how much they appreciate it."Goldberg credited his parents, his sister and those who came before him with teaching him "how to be a human being." He said, now, taking care of his children and his family along with "taking care of our milita...