(Cleveland) -- The Cleveland Browns are looking to repair some rifts with area first responders. That led to a pregame ceremony Sunday when police and firefighters were just some of the personnel who ran out onto the field before the Browns game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
That came just a few weeks after some Browns players didn't stand for the National Anthem during a preseason game.
Much of the criticism of the players came from police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel, who felt the players were disrespectful. The players say they felt their display was misinterpreted, and they wanted to do more to reach out to the community.
They met with team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, and later with Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams to develop a "neighborhood plan."
A team spokesman says that may include players riding along with police on patrol, and attending neighborhood meetings to strengthen the relationship between police and citizens.
(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)