I saw a photo of the other Steelers in the tunnel behind Villanueva. Some were just standing there, including great supporter of the police Ben Roethlisberger, but #56 (Anthony Chickillo?) had his hand over his heart.
A player who readies himself for the game wants to get on the field. Some think the LAST thing they want or need is to have that SJW crap between your ears.
Thus, they still abide by the coach's order, so long as they inside the tunnel....as far from the locker room as they can get.
(Of course, I made that up....WTH do I know, but it's plausible.)