Since 2016, many athletes have knelt during the national anthem to highlight racial injustice and police brutality. This explainer identifies who specifically knelt, the reasons behind the gesture, and the broader context that shaped the protest. The practice began with a single act and grew into a widespread movement across multiple sports. Below, you will find verified details, timelines, and comparisons to clarify the who, what, and why of anthem protests.
Origins in the 2016 Season
The national anthem protest movement began in the 2016 NFL preseason, led by quarterback Colin Kaepernick. What started as a solitary act of dissent grew into a widespread discussion about race and equality in sports. Kaepernick’s choice to kneel, rather than stand, was a deliberate form of peaceful protest. Over time, other athletes across different leagues adopted similar gestures. This section outlines the early moments and key figures involved in the origin of this movement.
Colin Kaepernick: The Initial Gesture
Colin Kaepernick, then quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, first drew widespread attention when he chose to sit during the anthem in 2016, before switching to kneeling. His stated goal was to highlight racial inequality and systemic issues within the country. Kaepernick consulted with former Green Beret Nate Boyer to refine the form of protest. The kneeling stance was intended to show respect for the military while still making a powerful statement. This marked the beginning of a high-profile movement that would spread across multiple sports.
Kaepernick’s Initial Actions
- August 2016: Began sitting during the national anthem.
- Week 2, 2016: Transitioned to kneeling during the anthem.
- Private discussion with Nate Boyer to refine the method of protest.
- Stated intention: highlight racial injustice and police brutality.
- Continued kneeling throughout the 2016 season, despite criticism.
Megan Rapinoe and the WNBA
Megan Rapinoe, a star for the Seattle Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League, joined the anthem protest movement shortly after Kaepernick. She knelt during the national anthem before matches in 2016, explicitly linking her stance to Kaepernick’s cause. Rapinoe’s protest brought attention to gender and LGBTQ+ issues alongside racial justice. Her actions were among the first to show that the anthem protest would extend beyond football.
Spread Across Sports and Leagues
After Kaepernick and Rapinoe, athletes in the NBA, NHL, NCAA, and other leagues began kneeling or linking arms during the anthem. Teammates, coaches, and even entire rows of players would kneel together to show solidarity. The movement evolved into a collective display rather than isolated acts. Different sports organizations responded in varied ways, with some issuing guidelines or statements. This widespread adoption made the protest a lasting cultural moment.
Cross-Sport Participation Snapshot
| Athlete | Sport | Year(s) of Prominent Kneeling | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colin Kaepernick | NFL | 2016–2017 | Originated kneeling protest |
| Megan Rapinoe | Soccer (NWSL) | 2016–ongoing | Linked protest to gender and LGBTQ+ equality |
| LeBron James | NBA | 2017–2018 | Occasional kneeling, team solidarity moments |
| Eric Reid | NFL | 2016–2017 | Teammate of Kaepernick, continued kneeling |
| Devon Still | NFL | 2017 | Kneeled to honor daughter with cancer |
Public and Organizational Response
Reactions to athletes kneeling during the anthem were sharply divided. Some praised the protest as a peaceful call for justice, while others viewed it as disrespectful to the flag and military. Team owners, leagues, and officials issued a range of responses, from support to discipline. In some cases, athletes were benched or criticized publicly for kneeling. Despite the backlash, the movement maintained momentum and sparked conversations about free speech and racial equity. The debate continues to influence how anthem protocols are discussed in professional and amateur sports.
Long-Term Impact and Legacy
The anthem kneeling movement reshaped public discourse around race, policing, and athlete activism. It demonstrated how a single act of protest can inspire widespread participation across sports and communities. Even as the specifics of who knelt and when evolved, the core issues that motivated the protest remain relevant. The movement also highlighted the role of athletes as public advocates for systemic change. This legacy continues to inform how sports and society address questions of justice and expression.
Key Takeaways
- The protest began with Colin Kaepernick in 2016, who kneeled to highlight racial injustice.
- Megan Rapinoe and other athletes in the WNBA and other sports joined the protest shortly after.
- Athletes kneeled to show respect for the military while protesting systemic issues.
- Responses varied by league, team, and organization, ranging from support to criticism.
- The movement’s impact persists in conversations about free speech, race, and athlete advocacy.
Understanding who knelt for the national anthem and why provides clarity on a defining moment in modern sports history. The protest was rooted in documented concerns about racial inequality and police practices. While forms and participation changed over time, the central messages remain significant for ongoing discussions about justice and civic life.