James Harrison Stands Near Bench, Away from Patriots Teammates During Anthem

New England Patriots linebacker James Harrison, who signed with the team Tuesday, remained standing near the bench while the rest of his teammates lined up on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to Sunday's game against the New York Jets. 

NESN's Zack Cox tweeted an image of the Patriots' sideline:

Harrison has not been among the athletes who protest during the national anthem, though he doesn't have any objection to NFL players who choose to do so. 

"That's up to the individual," Harrison told Jonathan Jones of The MMQB in August. "If they feel like that's something they want to do, that's their right."

Sunday marked Harrison's first game as a member of the Patriots. He spent 14 seasons playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2002-17 and one year with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013. 

The 39-year-old appeared in five games for the Steelers this season prior to being released on Dec. 23.