WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg says he stands for the national anthem and places his hand over his heart as a way of honoring those who have served in the U.S. military.
Speaking with former Charlotte 49ers football coach Bill Poggi on NewsNation, Goldberg said he believes people can lose sight of history and of the sacrifices made by those who came before them. He said military personnel risk their lives to protect people they may never meet, and that alone is reason to show respect during the anthem.
Goldberg added that he values opportunities to meet deployed service members and hopes to bring them some enjoyment. He said he makes a point of thanking veterans face-to-face, not for public recognition but because he can see that the gesture matters to them.
He credited his parents, sister and earlier generations with teaching him how to treat others. These days, he said, caring for his children and family—and supporting members of the military—are among his priorities.
Goldberg described bringing a smile to someone’s face as a responsibility, whether they recognize him from football, professional wrestling or acting. He said he intends to keep supporting children and military personnel for the rest of his life.
Goldberg played 14 NFL games for the Atlanta Falcons from 1992 to 1994 and also competed in the World League of American Football. After the Carolina Panthers released him in 1995, he entered professional wrestling, joining World Championship Wrestling in 1997.
He won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship once and became a three-time world champion in WWE. The company inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2018.
