The Great Experiment, America, has constructed the greatest civilization the world has ever seen. While it took principles and practices from a variety of other civilizations, the configuration is utterly unique. Never before has man put together such a system which has continuously delivered more freedom, liberty, and prosperity. It is unique in history and remains unique in the world today. As John Quincy Adams stated in 1837: “This organization is an anomaly in the history of the world.” Other successful modern civilizations owe their success to America and are themselves modeled after it, though none have ever reached its level of success. The key element of the American experiment was the focus on the individual, and the individual’s relationship with God. “You’re individuals, [the Founding Fathers were] saying to the colonists. You’re children of God. You’re no longer subject to the king.” It was this concept of pride in the “individual’s” personal efforts to contribute, via work ethic, tenacity, sacrifice, and devout loyalty that had made the NFL “America’s Favorite Pastime.”. The NFL’s earlier generation of players innately connected pride in their accomplishment, the blessings of good health, mentorship/coaching, and disciplined decisions, with a sense of abundant gratitude—a.  gratitude to God, who placed them in a nation that allowed them the freedom to pursue far-reaching dreams and visions, and the opportunity to see them come true. As we enter another season of protest of our country’s flag by young, wealthy Black NFL athletes, millions of fans will continue to turn off America’s favorite past time. The NFL, whose brand was once one of our country’s most uniting, is rapidly re-branding itself as a divisive one. In a sport where a player’s lack of decorum deemed detrimental to the game is met with harsh penalties, like celebrating in the end zone, the NFL’s corporate leadership has taken a knee as they allow their platform to be used for political anti-America sentiment. It is possible that by visiting our past, Americans might gain insight as to why successful Black American athletes feel compelled to kneel as we honor our flag, and why White corporate leaders refuse to take a stand to defend it. In a world where slavery, totalitarianism, and kingdoms were the accepted norm, the young American experiment was indeed a paradox. Though it was America that introduced to the world game-changing concepts l