Steelers coach Mike Tomlin rips Alejandro Villanueva over NFL national anthem flap, while his jersey sales soar

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Sales of Pittsburgh Steeler's tackle Alejandro Villanueva's jersey are spiking. 

The ex-Army Ranger took the field alone yesterday and saluted the flag and stood for the national anthem at Chicago's Soldier Field while the rest of the Steelers remained inside the locker room. 

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin appeared to take a swipe at the Bronze Star recipient's decision in a post-game press conference.

Tomlin said he “was looking for 100 percent participation” from his team when he told them to stay in the locker room during the anthem.

He argued he wanted his team to focus on the game and not President Trump’s comments blasting players who chose to protest during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Villanueva's jersey sales on Fanatics-dot-com are now the top selling Steelers and NFL jerseys.  

Corrie O'Connor