“What sets the American Christian apart from all other people in this world is he will die on his feet before he will live on his knees.”
Apparently, this is a quote from the Spanish Civil War, not from George Washington, but it expresses the sentiment of today's NFL player debacle, the inclusion of "Christan" aside.
http://timpanogos.wordpress.com/2014/09/14/dont-fall-for-the-star-spangled-voodoo-history/
Star Spangled Banner As You've Never Heard It
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaxGNQE5ZLA&sns=em