Why NFL Fans Should View Colin Kaepernick Positively

In 2016, the San Francisco 49ers were preparing for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. I was watching this game on my TV as I am extremely passionate about football; however, the most interesting part about this game happened before it even started. I had seen the national anthem before NFL games countless times, but this one in particular was special. Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers starting quarterback, was kneeling instead of standing up like the rest of the players. It was somewhat strange for me as I was about 11 years old and was accustomed to seeing players stand. What I didn’t know was how truly significant Kaepernick kneeling truly was as it was the catalyst to a protest against inequality and police brutality that would create immense controversy among NFL and sports fans in general.

Although Kaepernick’s protest was the first I had ever truly seen, there have been many protests in the history of sports. What stands out most prominently, however, are the protests that were not only successful but also adhered to nonviolent principles, fostering a sense of unity and commitment among those involved. They allow athletes to express themselves and use their voices to spread awareness about causes they feel are important. Sports protests are nothing new as in the 1968 Olympics, John Carlos and Tommie Smith raised their fists in a “Black Power” salute during the medal ceremony to protest racial discrimination and inequality in the United States, which shows how long sports protests have been occurring. A more recent example is one by Raven Saunders, an Olympic medalist, who conducted a nonviolent protest during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by making an “X” gesture on the podium, symbolizing the intersection of oppression and advocating for LGBTQ+ and racial justice causes. Their actions serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact athletes can have when they choose to speak out for a better world.

The most common occurrence after a sports protest is always controversy as fans always have mixed emotions and many opinions, and Kaepernick’s protest was definitely not an exception. In fact, this protest was perhaps the most controversial in sports history. On one hand, many sports enthusiasts view him as a courageous figure who used his platform as an NFL quarterback to peacefully protest against racial inequality and police brutality by taking a knee during the national anthem. They see him as a symbol of resistance and a catalyst for important conversations about social justice; however, although he had a lot of support, after the 2016 season his contract with the 49ers expired, and the former NFL starting quarterback found himself in free agency with absolutely no offers. He would never get picked up and has not played an NFL game since this season. Many NFL fans argue that he was washed and simply a mediocre quarterback, who did not deserve to be in the NFL; however, another large group of fans feel that he was blacklisted from the NFL.

I firmly believe that he was blacklisted, and the main reason for this was because of his critics and the amount of backlash he received for these protests, which was horrible publicity for the NFL. Many sports enthusiasts felt that Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem was extremely disrespectful to America as there have been countless soldiers who have fought and sacrificed their lives to protect America, and so not rising during this anthem disregards these American heroes. Everyone who felt strong pride about America’s history immediately criticized Kaepernick. Furthermore, other critics disapproved of Kaepernick’s ideas and comments, primarily when he compared police officers to pigs as that also insulted the many policemen who devote their lives to keeping America safe and protecting its citizens. Additionally, Kaepernick’s critics assert that his activism led to a divisive and polarized debate, detracting from the enjoyment of sports as an escape from politics. Overall, these critics view his actions as divisive and question the effectiveness of his protest in achieving meaningful change.

I respectfully disagree with these critics and believe Kaepernick should be praised and respected. An important supporting example of my reasons to support Kaepernick is an article from an NFL fan by the name of Langa C who writes for Fansided. Langa C argues that African-Americans should be proud of Colin Kaepernick for his unwavering commitment to addressing racial inequality and police brutality in the United States. Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem was a courageous and peaceful act of protest that sparked a nationwide conversation about these critical issues. By using his platform as an NFL quarterback to draw attention to the injustices faced by Black Americans, he amplified the voices of those who had long been marginalized and silenced. Kaepernick’s resilience in the face of backlash, including the loss of his football career, demonstrates a profound dedication to his principles and a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.

While Langa C rightly argues that African-Americans specifically should praise Kaepernick, I argue all NFL fans should view Colin Kaepernick’s legacy as positive because he stood up for his beliefs, and his protests against police brutality and inequality were nonviolent and harmless. Kaepernick’s decision to take a knee during the national anthem was not just about one group’s struggle but a call for justice, equality, and unity for all Americans. By using his platform to raise awareness about racial inequality and police brutality, he began a national conversation that extended beyond the NFL and sports. His actions have inspired countless individuals to engage in activism and advocate for social justice, making him a symbol of hope and change in the ongoing fight for racial equality. Furthermore, his legacy serves as a testament of the power of an individual to make a meaningful impact on society.

The most significant impact he had was demonstrating the proper way to protest. By choosing nonviolence and harmlessness, he was able to gather more support and attention as people began seeing him as more of an activist than an athlete. What truly makes a good protest is one in which everyone is truly committed and dedicated to protect what they believe in, but stand up for these causes in a peaceful manner, and the most prominent example of this in America was Martin Luther King Jr’s protest about civil rights and his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Although Kaepernick’s protest is not as iconic or effective as that of King Jr’s, he still raised awareness of real and troubling injustices in America and gained millions of supporters.

In the bigger picture, Colin Kaepernick’s protests can be viewed as a precursor for subsequent protests in the sports world, particularly the powerful Black Lives Matter protests within the NBA Bubble and similar demonstrations across various sports. In the Bubble, NBA players knelt during the national anthem and wore social justice slogans on their jerseys, symbolizing the continuity of Kaepernick’s legacy, proving that athletes could be catalysts for change while participating in their respective sports. On a more personal note, Kaepernick introduced me to the problems and injustices in America that my younger self was too naive to notice. Seeing him kneel during the national anthem made me question what the anthem truly represented and what encouraged Kaepernick to begin his protest. Overall, Kaepernick’s initial protest against racial injustice and police brutality set a precedent by showing athletes the potential impact they could have by using their voices for social change.