Some fans are praising Belichick as a no-nonsense leader who’s finally putting an end to what they see as unnecessary political drama. “It’s about time someone stood up to these protests,” tweeted @BostonBruiser95. “Football is football. Keep your politics out of my Sunday!”

Others, though, are calling for a boycott of the team itself. “I’ve been a Pats fan my whole life, but this is too much,” wrote @KneelForJustice24. “How can I support a team that actively silences its players? Belichick needs to realize that football is part of the world, not separate from it.”

Despite the growing social media storm, one thing remains constant: people are still showing up to the games. Sure, they may be complaining about the anthem before kickoff, but the moment the ball is snapped, everyone’s back to arguing over whether Mac Jones can live up to Tom Brady’s legacy, and who’s got the best buffalo wings in town.

Bill Belichick’s declaration that there will be “no kneeling” in the upcoming match has opened up yet another chapter in the ongoing debate about sports, politics, and free speech. Whether you see the move as a necessary return to focus or an overstep into authoritarianism, one thing’s for sure: the Patriots will continue to do what they do best—win games, generate controversy, and inspire heated debates over both football and freedom.

And as the team prepares for their next match, one can only wonder—will anyone dare to take a knee, or will Belichick’s iron grip keep everyone standing at attention? Only time, and perhaps a few disgruntled tweets, will tell.