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A decade after Colin Kaepernick took a knee that led to his exile, the ripple effects continue

Kaepernick’s protest sparked leaguewide debate, and as many as 200 players knelt during the 2017 season, officials and supporters said.

  • This year marks the 10th anniversary of Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protests, which began during a San Francisco 49ers preseason game on September 1, 2016, to address police brutality and systemic racism against Black Americans.
  • Kaepernick initially sat on the bench during the anthem before connecting with retired Green Beret Nate Boyer, who suggested kneeling would be more respectful to military members, leading to the iconic gesture.
  • The protest effectively ended Kaepernick's NFL career; teams refused to sign the quarterback after he opted to void his contract with the San Francisco 49ers, despite his 2012 success leading them to an NFC title.
  • Kaepernick and his wife, Nessa, have channeled activism through "Know Your Rights" camps promoting education and self-empowerment for people of color. ACLU President Deborah Archer said Kaepernick's journey "set an example" for others to follow.
  • While commentator Clay Travis called Kaepernick a "moron," social justice advocate Harry Edwards argues his activism's impact as a political figure transcends any on-field football achievement, making his legacy endure despite polarized views.
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42 Articles

KOATKOAT
+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
Center

Colin Kaepernick took a knee 10 years ago

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem in 2016 sparked a cultural conversation

·Albuquerque, United States
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tz.detz.de
+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Center

On September 1, 2016, Colin Kaepernick went on his knees for the first time before an NFL game during the national anthem. It was the beginning of the end of his football career.

Associated Press NewsAssociated Press News
+22 Reposted by 22 other sources
Lean Left

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.

·New York, United States
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Winnipeg Free Press broke the news in Winnipeg, Canada on Monday, August 31, 2026.
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