Current Status: Are NFL Players Still Kneeling Today?
Yes, some NFL players still kneel today, but it is no longer as widespread as during the peak years following Colin Kaepernick’s 2016 protests. League-wide visible kneeling is rare; individual players occasionally kneel during the anthem for personal or team reasons, and some choose other forms of expression. The practice persists in quieter, individualized forms while the broader conversation has shifted toward policy, solidarity, and evolving team cultures.
Origins and Context of Kneeling in the NFL
Colin Kaepernick and the Birth of the Movement
In 2016, quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality, citing a lack of accountability for officers involved in civilian deaths. His action was rooted in nonviolent civil disobedience and aimed at drawing attention to systemic issues. Kaepernick’s protest sparked leaguewide adoption, media scrutiny, political backlash, and debates about patriotism, free speech, and the role of athletes in social advocacy.
Why Kneeling? Symbolism and Strategy
Kneeling was chosen to show respect for the military while signaling respectful protest. It became a visual shorthand for raising awareness about racial inequality, police violence, and systemic bias. The posture allowed players to express solidarity without disrupting games, and it opened wider conversations about race, power, and responsibility in professional sports.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protests in 2016 | News archives and interviews |
| Initial Form | Sitting, then kneeling during the national anthem | On-field footage and media reports |
| Stated Purpose | Highlight racial injustice and police brutality | Public statements by Kaepernick and collaborators |
| Adoption | Teammates and other players joined in 2016–2018 | League records and news coverage |
| Backlash | Political criticism, debate on patriotism, fan reactions | Media analysis and polls |
The League and Team Responses
NFL Policy and Commissioner Actions
The NFL initially struggled with a unified response, prompting criticism from players, advocates, and fans. Over time, the league adopted more formalized policies, encouraged voting and social justice initiatives, and funded community programs through the Inspire Change platform. Individual teams set their own cultural tones, leading to varying degrees of anthem participation and expression across the league.
Team-Level Variations
Some teams fostered environments where players felt comfortable kneeling or linking arms, while others discouraged visible protest to maintain a perception of unity with military audiences. Uniform policies, sideline protocols, and ownership stances differed, contributing to a patchwork of practices rather than a leaguewide stance.
- 2017: NFL encourages players to stand; some teams finesse discipline internally.
- 2018: The league and union release joint statements on equality and expression.
- 2020: Surge in onfield activism after George Floyd’s murder, including widespread kneeling and taking a knee before games.
- 2021–present: More individualized expressions; less synchronized kneeling, more focused on voting, advocacy, and partnership with social justice organizations.
Current Practices and Player Choices
Forms of Onfield Expression Today
As of the early 2020s, overt, team-wide kneeling is uncommon. Most players who wish to express dissent do so selectively: kneeling briefly, staying in the locker room, raising a fist, or wearing decals and apparel aligned with social justice causes. The shift reflects personal comfort, audience, and the broader cultural landscape.
Notable Players and Teams Engaging in Expression
While few high-profile players engage in regular onfield kneeling, some continue to use measured forms of protest or silent gestures during the anthem. Many focus their activism off the field through philanthropy, voting drives, and criminal justice reform work. Coverage is player- and team-specific rather than leaguewide, making broad generalizations difficult and context essential.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of widespread kneeling | Rare to none in 2020s | Most teams do not kneel en masse; individual choices prevail. |
| Forms of protest still used | Selective kneeling, fist bumps, staying in locker room, advocacy | Players choose context-dependent, low-profile actions. |
| Primary modern focus | Voting, community investment, policy reform | Many players channel energy into structured offfield initiatives. |
Public Perception and Cultural Shifts
Media, Fans, and Political Discourse
Media coverage of kneeling has evolved from sharply polarizing to more nuanced, reflecting broader societal conversations. Fan reactions vary by region and demographic, with some boycotting games and others applauding players’ civic engagement. Politically, the issue has been weaponized in campaigns and legislation, influencing how teams communicate their stances.
The Link to Voting and Social Justice
Many current and former players tie anthem-related activism to measurable civic outcomes, such as voter registration drives and policy advocacy. Organizations like the Players Coalition and teams’ social justice grants emphasize results over performative gestures, aligning visibility with substantive community impact.
Key Takeaways
- Some NFL players still kneel today, but it is no longer a widespread, coordinated league practice.
- Kneeling originated with Colin Kaepernick in 2006 to highlight racial injustice and police brutality.
- Team and league policies have evolved, leading to a patchwork of practices and more individualized forms of expression.
- Modern activism often focuses on voting, community investment, and criminal justice reform rather than visible onfield gestures.
- Context matters: player intent, team culture, and local norms shape who kneels, when, and why.
For fans and observers, the question is not simply whether players kneel, but how expression has matured into a broader set of civic and community-driven actions that extend beyond the anthem.