Finally, someone who understands the big picture and business of the NFL. Sports drive economies in their cities and surrounding areas.

Trump likes to talk about creating jobs, but think of how many would be lost if he gets his way and the NFL tanks because some players were exercising their Constitutionally protected rights.

More to your point, people do try to tell Trump to keep his Tweet-hole shut, but the problem is he doesn't listen.  The NFL does say things to veterans, police, etc to thank them for their service. It's called Salute to Service month and takes place every October.

The big problem is the kneeling is done on a very public platform. You get more attention kneeling in front of a crowd of 70,000+ and TV viewers than you do at a press conference, whether it be positive or negative attention.