Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem before a San Francisco 49ers preseason game marked a pivotal moment in both his career and American sports culture. The quarterback had initially sat on the bench during the anthem at two prior exhibitions that August before consulting with retired Green Beret Nate Boyer, who suggested kneeling would be more respectful to military personnel. Kaepernick proceeded with the protest on Sept. 1, 2016, without public announcement or social media promotion.
The action was intended to draw attention to racial injustice, minority oppression, and police brutality. However, the method of protest rather than its message became the focal point of public discourse. Critics deemed the kneeling offensive to military members, and the controversy escalated when then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump criticized the practice. Kaepernick’s jersey was burned by angry fans, and he faced boos at stadiums across the league. Despite Kaepernick’s attempts to redirect attention toward racial injustice, the conversation veered in other directions, ultimately overshadowing his intended message.
The professional consequences proved severe. Kaepernick threw his final NFL pass four months later, a touchdown to tight end Garrett Celek against Seattle. After the 49ers underwent organizational changes, including firing head coach Chip Kelly and hiring Kyle Shanahan, Kaepernick opted out of his contract and entered free agency. He never played in another NFL game. Kaepernick and teammate Eric Reid, who also knelt in protest, subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging collusion by NFL owners to blacklist them from the league. A settlement was reached in 2019, though both Kaepernick and the NFL have largely moved forward from that period.
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