You're half right, so stop speaking so matter-of-factly. The DOD DID indeed pay the NFL beginning in 2009 to have entire teams on the field for the anthem.
"while it is true NFL players were not required to be on the field for the national anthem before 2009, they have always had the option to stand on the sidelines during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” - Snopes
It was optional.