Why NFL Players Kneel During the National Anthem
NFL players kneel during the national anthem to protest racial inequality, police brutality, and social injustice in the United States. The gesture gained widespread attention in 2016 when quarterback Colin Kaepernick first sat, and later knelt, during pregame ceremonies. Kaepernick stated that he would not stand for a flag representing a country that oppresses Black people and people of color, according to interviews and team statements at the time. The act quickly spread across the league, with dozens of players, coaches, and team staff joining the gesture in subsequent seasons. The kneeling protests are part of a broader movement that includes other forms of peaceful demonstration and public advocacy for criminal justice reform and equal treatment under the law.
The NFL has acknowledged the protests through various policy updates and public statements. In 2018, the league introduced a policy requiring players to stand for the anthem or remain in the locker room, but the policy was later adjusted after pushback from the players' union and team owners. The NFL Players Association has emphasized that peaceful protest is a protected form of expression and that players should not face retaliation for participating. Team owners, including those of the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders, have publicly supported their players' right to demonstrate. The league's official communications have increasingly framed the protests as a conversation about social justice rather than a disruption of the game.
Timeline of NFL Anthem Protests and Policy Changes
In 2016, Colin Kaepernick first sat during the national anthem before switching to a kneeling position after consulting with former NFL player and military veteran Nate Boyer. By the end of the 2016 preseason, multiple players across several teams had joined the kneeling gesture. In 2017, protests expanded further, with some teams locking arms during the anthem and others choosing to remain in the locker room. The NFL responded with a memo urging players to stand but not mandating it, while also pledging $250 million over ten years to social justice initiatives through the NFL Foundation. The league's social justice efforts have focused on education, economic advancement, and police-community relations, with grants distributed to various nonprofit organizations and community programs.
In 2018, the NFL and the NFLPA reached a compromise that allowed teams to implement their own anthem policies, leading to a mix of standing, kneeling, and locker room stays across the league. The compromise also included a commitment to fund and promote social justice programs, with the league directing resources toward organizations focused on education, job training, and criminal justice reform. In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd and the resulting nationwide protests, the NFL publicly acknowledged that it was wrong to previously discourage anthem protests and pledged to support players' voices. The league's updated stance was reflected in statements from commissioner Roger Goodell and team owners, as well as increased investment in social justice initiatives and partnerships with advocacy groups.
Impact of NFL Kneeling Protests on the League and Society
The kneeling protests have influenced public opinion, sponsorship decisions, and media coverage of the NFL. Surveys and polls have shown divided views among fans, with some expressing support for players' right to protest and others disapproving of the gesture. Nielsen ratings for NFL games have fluctuated over the years, with the league citing multiple factors including schedule changes, competition from other sports, and broader cultural shifts. Sponsors and brands have responded in various ways, with some increasing their support for social justice initiatives and others adjusting their marketing strategies. The protests have also sparked broader conversations about race, policing, and inequality in the United States, extending beyond sports into politics, education, and community organizing.
Players involved in the protests have continued their advocacy through foundations, community programs, and public speaking. Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp has provided resources and education to young people