Politics

Ex-NFL star takes stand against national anthem protests

Herschel Walker, the ex-NFL luminary, is firing on all cylinders for America’s military heroes and first responders — hot on the heels of his recent criticism of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for not quelling the national anthem protests.

Walker’s latest patriotic fervor comes with a super prize for a hero of the US uniformed and emergency services: a free customized, hand-painted, American-made 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, worth $80,000.

“I absolutely think the protests are so upsetting, and I blame the commissioner,” he said.

Herschel Walker and Donald Trump in 1983.Getty Images

“I know people are going to be angry when I say it, but he should have stopped the protests at the very beginning.”

The Heisman Trophy winner doesn’t beat around the bush. “Guys, let me tell you this,” he said. “Our flag is very special, and black lives matter, but what we should do is go to Washington after the season and protest there instead. We have young men and women fighting for the flag. And we have to respect the White House.”

Walker — who used to play for President Trump’s short-lived USFL New Jersey Generals in the ’80s — knows a thing or two about business.

He signed with Rocky Ridge Trucks to promote the manufacturer’s True American Hero Truck Giveaway contest (gives.rockyridgetrucks.com).

The winner of the national contest will be an individual with exemplary records of public service in the military, or as a domestic first responder. Finalists will be invited to the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention in Las Vegas in March for a drawing to select the winner.

Walker, meanwhile, helms a string of successful businesses, which include the Renaissance Man Food Services, honored for smashing records in the US and Canada as a minority-owned food processor.