WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 16: U.S. President Donald Trump waits on the arrival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House May 16, 2017 in Washington, DC. Trump and Erdogan met in the Oval Office to discuss a range of bilateral issues. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

NFL hero Pat Tillman's widow responds after Donald Trump shares picture in response to national anthem protests

Trump called NFL players "sons of bitches" on Friday.

Pat Tillman's widow has a very clear and strong message for Donald Trump in the aftermath of his "sons of bitches" comments.

While continuing to stand his ground against national anthem protests, he shared a picture with Tillman's photo and the caption read:

"NFL player Pat Tillman joined U.S. Army in 2002. He was killed in action 2004. He fought 4our country/freedom. "

Tillman's widow released a statement on Trump sharing the photo later Monday night, per CNN:

"As a football player and soldier, Pat inspired countless Americans to unify," Marie said. "It is my hope that his memory should always remind people that we must come together."

"Pat's service, along with that of every man and woman's service, should never be politicized in a way that divides us. We are too great of a country for that," she wrote.

"Those that serve fight for the American ideals of freedom, justice and democracy," she wrote. "They and their families know the cost of that fight. I know the very personal costs in a way I feel acutely every day. The very action of self expression and the freedom to speak from one's heart — no matter those views — is what Pat and so many other Americans have given their lives for. Even if they didn't always agree with those views."

Tillman was an NFL player who gave up his Arizona Cardinals contract and became an Army Ranger in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. He was killed in the mountains of Afghanistan in what the Pentagon later determined was a friendly fire incident.

At an event on Friday evening, Trump discussed the protests as "disrespect," saying that he would love to see an NFL owner "get that son of a bitch off the field."

The full quote from Trump:

"Wouldn't you love one of these NFL owners... when someone disrespects our flag say, "Get that son of a bitch off the field, right now, out, he's fired."

The live crowd applauded the comments from the President.

Trump also referenced NFL ratings, which are down so far this year, and blamed the drop on the protests negatively affecting the game.

Trump's comments caused a firestorm of reactions in the NFL and NBA, where players, coaches and owners protested.

Related stories:

Here's how Cowboys handled national anthem after reports on possible protest emerged

NBC analyst says President Donald Trump should apologize to NFL players

Super Bowl champion on national anthem protests: "If you don't think we are the greatest country, then why do you stay?"

Tom Brady opens up and takes a hard stance on Donald Trump's national anthem protest comments

Former commissioner Paul Tagliabue weighs in on Donald Trump-NFL battle

Roger Goodell releases statement following President Donald Trump's national anthem protest comments