Since 2016, kneeling during the U.S. national anthem in the National Football League has been a prominent practice rooted in peaceful protest against racial injustice and police brutality. This explainer outlines which players kneeled, the motivations behind the action, the league and team reactions, policy changes, and verified sources, focusing on factual context and lasting developments rather than moment-by-moment updates. The following breakdown examines the background, key moments, responses, and current status of anthem kneeling in the NFL.
Origins and Context
In 2016, NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began sitting, then kneeling, during the anthem to highlight systemic racism and police violence against Black Americans. His action was rooted in long-standing activism and nonviolent protest traditions, and it quickly drew national attention. Over time, other players joined him, team owners responded with varied statements, and the league issued policy adjustments. Understanding this context is essential to identifying who participated and why.
Which Players and Teams Were Involved
Kaepernick’s protest spurred participation across the league, both during his years on the bench and after he became a free agent. The following table summarizes verified athlete and team involvement based on reporting from credible outlets:
| Player | Year(s) Notable for Kneeling | Team(s) | Verification Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colin Kaepernick | 2016 onward | San Francisco 49ers | Multiple media and league reports |
| Eric Reid | 2016 onward | San Francisco 49ers | On-field observation and interviews |
| Megan Rapinoe | 2016+ (WNT; NFL-adjacent visibility) | U.S. women’s national team (advocacy influence) | Public statements and interviews |
| Players across teams | 2017–2020 peaks | Various | Game footage, league policies, news archives |
While Kaepernick and Reid are the most consistently documented for sustained kneeling, numerous other players across teams participated during games, particularly in the 2017–2020 period. These actions occurred individually and collectively, sometimes in response to high-profile incidents of racial violence.
League and Team Responses
Initially, team responses were mixed. Some franchises issued statements supporting players’ First Amendment rights, while others discouraged anthem protests. In 2018, the NFL and players’ union agreed on a policy requiring players to stand during the anthem or stay in the locker room, with teams allowed to fine players for sideline kneeling. This policy evolved following ongoing negotiations and public discourse.
Policy Timeline at a Glance
Key policy points are summarized below, showing how league requirements shifted over time:
| Period | Policy or Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Athlete-led kneeling begins | No league policy; varied team reactions |
| 2018 | NFL anthem policy adopted | Required standing or locker room option; team fines allowed |
| 2021 | Policy revision | Increased player expression allowed with certain conditions |
| 2023+ | Enforcement softened | Greater accommodation for player expression; no mandatory lockouts |
The most recent stance emphasizes player expression while maintaining a structured game-day protocol. Exact current rules are set annually in the collective bargaining agreement and can differ in nuances such as team-specific guidance and anthem ceremony expectations.
Motivations Framed as Verifiable Statements
Players who kneeled commonly cited the following aims, which are documented in interviews, statements, and league releases:
- Highlighting racial inequality and systemic bias in policing and the justice system.
- Advocating for criminal justice reform and accountability.
- Using a visible national platform to draw attention to marginalized communities’ experiences.
- Encouraging dialogue and policy changes at institutional and community levels.
These motivations are widely reported and have been reiterated by former and active players, as well as by advocacy organizations working on related reforms.
Current Status and Lasting Influence
As of the 2020s, kneeling during the anthem is less universally observed but remains a recognized form of expression in the NFL. Some players continue to engage in modified gestures, such as taking a knee during team prayer or standing with raised fists. The broader impact includes lasting conversations about race, representation, and the role of athletes in civic discourse. Teams and the league continue to revisit policies, reflecting ongoing societal discussions.
Key Takeaways
- Kneeling in the NFL was popularized by Colin Kaepernick in 2016 and joined by others, most notably Eric Reid.
- The protest focuses on racial injustice and police brutality, drawing on established traditions of nonviolent activism.
- League policies have shifted from mixed reactions to structured rules, with current guidance allowing greater expression.
- Not all players kneel; responses vary individually and by team, often tied to personal beliefs and organizational culture.
- Documented motivations and policy changes are traceable through credible reporting and official statements.
For ongoing developments, consult updated league policies, collective bargaining agreements, and statements from team and league officials. This explainer prioritizes verifiable details and long-term context over moment-by-moment speculation.