Our political leanings dramatically impact the way we view professions:
Bottom Line: It's likely not surprising that one's political perspective colors one's likely view of certain professions. In the mist of the NFL controversy this has been brought to the forefront. While the Pew Research Center's most recent research on the topic didn't include NFL players, it does help to provide guidance as to why so many fans are upset that players are using the national anthem and American flag as objects of protest.
According to Pew Research...
Democrats who view these professions positively (top three professions):
86% Teachers
82% Military
71% Professors
Republicans...
92% Military
84% Police
72% Teachers
So, in this context it's rather easy to see why so many people feel as passionately as they do about what's going on in the NFL these days.