Just Do It

Josiah Mitchell
Sep 6, 2018 · 4 min read

If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.

The room was silent, and the chairs were filled. The tension in the room was so thick it could be cut with a knife. Members of the NFL committee were preparing to discuss the controversial dilemma that has occurred over the last couple of weeks. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell starts off by addressing the issue with Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers 2nd string quarterback. The matter at hand, was how Kaepernick decided he would kneel instead of stand during the National Anthem. Goodell firmly stated, “We believe everyone should stand for the national anthem, it’s an important part of our game.” Colin either had to abide by the rules or suffer the consequences that were yet to come because of his resistance.

August 14, 2016, the beginning of a life altering decision that could potentially bring awareness to the racial injustice to America or make matters worse all while destroying Kaepernick’s career. As the music starts to play and the anthem is sung, the majority stood, but on this day Colin Kaepernick defied the odds. He didn’t consult with anyone about his plan to kneel and initially went unnoticed. Soon enough though, all that would change. Three games into the preseason, on August 26, Colin Kaepernick’s seemingly harmless gesture was a major debate in the US. This message was perceived in two different ways. Supporters of his movement felt Colin was doing what no one else had the courage or means to do. On the other hand, those who opposed felt Colin was being disrespectful and unappreciative of the sacrifices that some have made for this country. For instance, President Trump displayed his disapproval of the kneeling during the national anthem. Trump tweeted, “It is about time that Roger Goodell of the NFL is finally demanding that all players STAND for our great National Anthem — RESPECT OUR COUNTRY.” Thirty year old Colin made it very clear during interviews that he wasn’t anti-American, anti-military, or had any intentions of disrespecting anyone. Such a minor thing such as kneeling has such a major effect on everyone.

Colin Kaepernick kneels during the national anthem

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”- Colin Kaepernick


Colin Kaepernick felt that racial issues were beginning to spiral out of control. Racial issues have always been around, but for the past few years the numbers have skyrocketed. First, Trayvon Martin, a young African American male, was killed in a non-African American neighborhood by a neighborhood watcher because he thought Trayvon was “up to no good”. This incident was one of many occurrences where individuals were stereotyped based solely on the color of their skin. Colin donated a million dollars to charities that focused on racial issues. He wants to find a way to decrease the violence and brutality against minorities and for African Americans and others of color to be treated just as fairly as non-African Americans.


Equality is all Colin Kaepernick is kneeling for.


Colin Kaepernick is getting national attention more than ever now. Not only is he kneeling, but he has influenced others to fight for the cause as well. If the supporters aren’t kneeling they are still supporting the cause by linking arms with their teammates or having their right fist held above their head in unison. He didn’t just catch the attention of his colleagues, but even people ranging from military veterans, musicians, other athletes, all the way to the everyday people in society. Those that have been crying for help are finally being heard.

Despite the positive message he conveyed, and the impact he had on many, it ultimately cost him his career. Colin didn’t get to play as much as he thought he would. Remember, Colin had just came off of a great season losing in the super bowl so it wasn’t like he didn’t have the skills. He just didn’t follow the “rules” even though he is entitled to freedom of speech. At the end of the season, he was classified as a free agent. As a result of the kneeling, no one wanted to give him a chance because they didn’t want to receive the backlash he was already getting. Instead of thinking about what’s right the NFL is only looking out for themselves.

What’s Colin Kaepernick doing now with all of this happening? He is still advocating for what he believes is right and things are finally starting to look up for him. Besides bringing awareness to the issue at hand, Colin has now been named the face of Nike’s 30th anniversary “Just do it” slogan. Nike has done something way beyond Colin Kaepernick. They are getting on board with the fight to end oppression despite knowing that it may bring some problems in the future.

Nike 30th anniversary ad

Just because he isn’t in the NFL anymore doesn’t mean he is broken. NFL wasn’t God’s plan. He risked his whole career for equality, and now another door has opened for him so the world can know he isn’t defeated. He still has more justifying that needs to be done.

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