A decade after Colin Kaepernick took a knee that led to his exile, the ripple effects continue
The protest sparked leaguewide debate, and as many as 200 players knelt during the 2017 season, supporters said.
- On this 10th anniversary of his national anthem protests, Colin Kaepernick remains a defining figure in sports history. Senior columnist Jerry Brewer of The Athletic noted his stance is "aging well" despite the controversy surrounding the quarterback's decision.
- Kaepernick shifted from sitting on the bench to kneeling after consulting with Retired Green Beret Nate Boyer in 2016. The gesture aimed to draw attention to police brutality and systemic racism while maintaining respect for military members.
- Following the protests, Kaepernick's football career stalled, leading to a collusion lawsuit against the NFL. By 2020, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged the league "misstepped by not listening to players" fighting for social equality.
- Kaepernick and his wife, Nessa, have focused on activism through their "Know Your Rights" camps promoting "education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization" for people of color. Their foundation also funds independent autopsies, continuing his social justice work.
- Activist advisor Edwards, who counseled athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics, believes Kaepernick's impact as a sports political figure remains profound. His influence continues to resonate as society grapples with the issues he raised a decade ago.
15 Articles
15 Articles
A decade after Colin Kaepernick took a knee that led to his exile, the ripple effects continue - Regional Media News
Nothing about Colin Kaepernick, the football player, changed on that warm Southern California night a decade ago. Not his speed. Not his arm strength. Not the improvisational skills that made him one of the NFL's most electrifying, if at times erratic, quarterbacks. And to be [...]
'Colin Kaepernick was a moron': Clay Travis does not hold back
This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Colin Kaepernick’s iconic and controversial national anthem protests. Kaepernick began taking a knee during the playing of the national anthem before games, protesting police brutality and systemic racism against Black Americans. As the sports world remembers Kaepernick’s protests, prominent right-wing sports commentator Clay Travis had some harsh words…
Associated Press News
A decade after Colin Kaepernick took a knee that led to his exile, the ripple effects continue
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem in 2016 sparked a cultural conversation.
‘Colin Kaepernick was a moron’: Clay Travis does not hold back
Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58), quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and free safety Eric Reid (35) kneel in protest during the playing of the national anthem before a NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports on August 31, 2026August 31, 2026 This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Colin Kaepernick’s iconic and controversial na…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
