An athlete who made an impactful statement beyond the field is NFL player Colin Kaepernick. In 2016, the NFL quarterback decided to take a knee during the national anthem to protest against racial injustice and police brutality, which triggered a nationwide debate. What was intended to be a peaceful protest gained a lot of traction nationally. There was a variety of support and intense backlash by the nation. The NFL decided to take a step back from Kaepernick, which resulted in him being blackballed from the league. Although his career dealt with the consequences of his kneeling, it also opened the floor for conversation about racial injustice in the sports world. Beyond the sports world, Kaepernick’s protesting intensified discussions about police violence and systemic racism. It also added fire to the political divide as Donald Trump was in office during this time. Deeming this form of activism as unpatriotic. 

To make his stance clear, Kaepernick used social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to emphasize what his protest was about. Using these social media platforms to speak out about police brutality and racial injustice encouraged other athletes to use their platforms and speak up. According to Steve Wyche, a Chief National Reporter, “By taking a stand for civil rights, Kaepernick, 28, joins other athletes, like the NBA’s Dwayne Wade, Chris Paul, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and several WNBA players in using their platforms and status to raise awareness to issues affecting minorities in the U.S.” While other athletes were taking a stand with Kaepernick, the 49ers had a different reaction. 

When Kaepernick gained attention from his protest, the 49ers issued a statement reassuring the media that Kaepernick had a right to express himself. Then proceeded to release an official team statement: “The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.” Although the team respected Kaepernick’s decision to protest, this ultimately ended his NFL career once the 2016 season ended. 

Although taking a stand for what he believed in ended his career, Kaepernick played a major role in shaping the narrative of his activism. He spoke openly to the media on why he kneeled and clarified that it was to protest against police brutality and racial injustice. During interviews, he kept a calm character to maintain the narrative of peaceful protesting. And on social media, to make sure his message was loud and clear, he continued emphasizing his reason. Although an initial narrative was set by Kaepernick, outside forces such as political perceptions and the NFL used their best efforts to reshape it. 

Colin Kaepernick put his career on the line for a cause that needed more light shed on it. And because he closed the gap between activism and sports by having athlete involvement in the BLM movement solidified. While backlash was the initial reaction, it eventually helped normalize the athletes leading protests and reiterated the fight for racial injustice.