U.S. national anthem kneeling protests

{{further|U.S. national anthem protests}}

It is a tradition in the United States to play "The Star-Spangled Banner", the national anthem, before sporting events. According to the United States Code, those present should stand at attention with right hand over heart.{{usc|36|301}}{{cite web|title= Title 36 United States Code: § 301. National Anthem.|url= https://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30243.pdf#page=11|publisher= United States Senate|date= October 31, 2016|access-date= June 5, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180710143658/https://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30243.pdf#page=11|archive-date= July 10, 2018|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37208404|title= What must Americans do during the anthem?|date= September 25, 2017|work=BBC News|access-date= September 27, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170924150335/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37208404|archive-date= September 24, 2017|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}} National Football League (NFL) players were not mandated to be on the field for the playing of the national anthem until 2009.{{cite news|last= Willingham|first= AJ|title= The national anthem in sports (spoiler: it wasn't always this way)|url= http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/25/us/nfl-national-anthem-trump-kaepernick-history-trnd/index.html|publisher= Time Warner|website= CNN.com|date= September 25, 2017|access-date= June 5, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180605102013/https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/25/us/nfl-national-anthem-trump-kaepernick-history-trnd/index.html|archive-date= June 5, 2018|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}} In 2016 the NFL stated that "players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem"; its game operations manual reads that players "should stand" for the anthem.{{cite news|last= O'Malley|first= Nick|title= NFL rulebook does not require players to stand for national anthem; Game Operations manual does|date= September 26, 2017|work= MassLive.com|url= http://blog.masslive.com/patriots/2017/09/facebook_post_citing_nfl_playe.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171010060237/http://blog.masslive.com/patriots/2017/09/facebook_post_citing_nfl_playe.html|archive-date= October 10, 2017|url-status= live}}

The people of the United States are widely divided on the intended meaning of the anthem. Some believe it salutes military and police officers who have died on duty; for others, it honors the United States generally.{{cite news|last= Brady|first= Erik|title= How national anthem became essential part of sports|url= https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/09/26/how-national-anthem-become-essential-part-sports/706243001/|newspaper= USA Today|date= September 27, 2017|access-date= June 5, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180618180904/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/09/26/how-national-anthem-become-essential-part-sports/706243001/|archive-date= June 18, 2018|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1= Har|first1= Janie|last2= Contreras|first2= Russell|title= Diverse America divided on flag, anthem, other symbols|date= September 16, 2016|publisher= Associated Press|url= https://apnews.com/1959daeed38b466395f053f6f9b2dc52/diverse-america-divided-flag-anthem-other-symbols|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171207181301/https://apnews.com/1959daeed38b466395f053f6f9b2dc52/diverse-america-divided-flag-anthem-other-symbols|archive-date= December 7, 2017|url-status= live}} The antagonistic response to kneeling is raised in spite of the fact that kneeling is a demonstration of reverence, submissiveness, and deference,{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Jeremy Adam |last2=Keltner |first2=Dacher |author1-link=Jeremy Adam Smith |author2-link=Dacher Keltner |title=The Psychology of Taking a Knee: The backlash against protests by Colin Kaepernick and other athletes raises all sorts of scientific questions |url=https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/voices/the-psychology-of-taking-a-knee/ |website=Scientific American |access-date=February 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220129171228/https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/voices/the-psychology-of-taking-a-knee/ |archive-date=2022-01-29 |date=September 29, 2017 |url-status=live}} in contrast with the interpretation that kneeling is offensive to those who are honored by the anthem. Teams across all major sports received $6.8 million from the Department of Defense between 2012 and 2015 in exchange for performance of the national anthem at their games, along with various other military and patriotic activities.{{Cite web|url= https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/12de6dcb-d8d8-4a58-8795-562297f948c1/tackling-paid-patriotism-oversight-report.pdf|title= Tackling Paid Patriotism|last1= McCain|first1= John|last2= Flake|first2= Jeff|date= 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180804100831/https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/12de6dcb-d8d8-4a58-8795-562297f948c1/tackling-paid-patriotism-oversight-report.pdf|archive-date= August 4, 2018|url-status= dead|df= mdy-all}}

Kaepernick and his 49ers teammate Eric Reid said they choose to kneel in San Diego during the anthem to call attention to the issues of racial inequality and police brutality. "After hours of careful consideration, and even a visit from Nate Boyer, a retired Green Beret and former NFL player, we came to the conclusion that we should kneel, rather than sit, ... during the anthem, as a peaceful protest," said Reid. "We chose to kneel because it's a respectful gesture. I remember thinking our posture was like a flag flown at half-mast to mark a tragedy."{{cite news|last= Reid|first= Eric|title= Opinion {{!}} Eric Reid: Why Colin Kaepernick and I Decided to Take a Knee|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/25/opinion/colin-kaepernick-football-protests.html|newspaper= The New York Times|date= September 25, 2017|access-date= September 27, 2017|issn= 0362-4331|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170926221519/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/25/opinion/colin-kaepernick-football-protests.html|archive-date= September 26, 2017|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}} Some regard kneeling as disrespectful to those who have died or been wounded in service of the United States, such as police officers or military veterans.{{cite news|last= MacQuarrie|first= Brian|title= Military veterans divided over NFL protests|url= https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/09/25/military/MLjykBWSTbMlWqbaVUAGzI/story.html|newspaper= The Boston Globe|date= September 27, 2017|access-date= June 5, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180618175552/https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/09/25/military/MLjykBWSTbMlWqbaVUAGzI/story.html|archive-date= June 18, 2018|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}} Torrey Smith, ex-wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, had said in an interview: "I understand why people are offended by people protesting the National Anthem. My father served 25 years. When he dies, he's going to be wrapped in an American flag. But my dad is also out of the Army, and he drives trucks all over the country, and he's a black man everywhere he goes, and sometimes he has racial incidents still today. That doesn't protect him, just because he served our country. And I think that's important."{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/27/us/nfl-anthem-protest-race-trump-trnd/index.html |title=The #TakeAKnee protests have always been about race. Period. |author=AJ Willingham |work=CNN|access-date=2018-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930021215/https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/27/us/nfl-anthem-protest-race-trump-trnd/index.html |archive-date=September 30, 2017 |url-status=unfit |df=mdy-all}}{{cbignore}}

Kaepernick has said on numerous occasions that the sole purpose of kneeling during the national anthem is not to disrespect the military personnel at all, but rather that his goal is to use his social platform to bring topics regarding police brutality and oppression of people of color to light. "I am not going to get up to show pride in a country that oppresses black people and people of color."{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/25/opinion/football-protests-police-violence-anthem.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825172249/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/25/opinion/football-protests-police-violence-anthem.html |archive-date=2018-08-25 |url-status=unfit |title=Opinion: Football Players Are Protesting Police Violence, Not the Anthem |last=Cauley |first=Kashana |date=2018-08-25 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=2022-07-31 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |last1=Slover |first1=Ray |title=Maybe more people should sit with Colin Kaepernick |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/colin-kaepernick-protest-49ers-sitting-national-anthem-american-civil-rights/1jgwf76ih6vzx1ktfz3i24dqvr |access-date=April 12, 2022 |work=Sporting News |date=August 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104173616/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/colin-kaepernick-protest-49ers-sitting-national-anthem-american-civil-rights/1jgwf76ih6vzx1ktfz3i24dqvr |archive-date=November 4, 2018}} Kaepernick has expressed his concerns about how his actions have been labeled as "anthem protest", since he considers this to be a diversion strategy from his critics to deviate the discussion from what really matters. "I am not protesting the anthem or the nation, I'm protesting organised brutality. To me, this is much bigger than football and it would be selfish to look the other way.{{cite web |last1=Mejia |first1=Brianna |title=Mandatory Patriotism: Modern Issues with the National Anthem |url=https://medium.com/icm-506-at-quinnipiac-university-spring-2021/mandatory-patriotism-modern-issues-with-the-national-anthem-91b6963db488 |website=Medium |access-date=April 12, 2022 |date=March 10, 2021}} There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

After Kaepernick started his campaign to create awareness about excess police brutality towards minorities, especially African-Americans, commentators have mainly shifted focus to the patriotic aspect of kneeling rather than the meaning behind it, thus weakening Kaepernick's primary goal.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/16/colin-kaepernick-protest-racial-iniquity-nfl-american-football|title=Colin Kaepernick's critics are ignoring the target of his protest|last1=Graham|first1=Bryan Armen|date=2016-09-16|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-04-10|last2=Carpenter|first2=Les|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}} One political person that players believe completely misinterpreted the act of kneeling was President Donald Trump, since he repeatedly claimed that players are protesting the flag and the national anthem; however, players are for the most part protesting the lack of accountability in the judicial system, and the way police officers can easily get away with police brutality towards African-Americans.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/09/why-the-nfl-is-protesting/540927/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003110413/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/09/why-the-nfl-is-protesting/540927/ |archive-date=2017-10-03 |url-status=unfit |title=They Took a Knee |last=Garber |first=Megan |date=2017-09-24 |magazine=The Atlantic |language=en-US |access-date=2019-04-30}}{{cbignore}}

Kaepernick was not able to sign a contract with any NFL team even after he opted out of his contract with the 49ers and became a free agent in 2017, presumably because of his actions of taking a knee.{{Cite web|url=https://andscape.com/features/how-colin-kaepernick-became-a-cause-for-activists-civil-rights-groups/|title=How Colin Kaepernick became a cause for activists, civil rights groups and others|last=Reid|first=Jason|date=2017-08-22|website=Andscape|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-30}} Nevertheless, even though Kaepernick was no longer on the sideline, his movement did not stop but rather gained more participants.

File:Police_protest.jpg

Criminal justice reform is one of the top issues that NFL players have been supporting in their protests.{{cite news|last=Reid|first=Jason|title=NFL owners, players are moving in the wrong direction|date=October 30, 2017|work=Andscape|url=https://andscape.com/features/nfl-owners-players-are-moving-in-the-wrong-direction/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030163548/https://theundefeated.com/features/nfl-owners-players-are-moving-in-the-wrong-direction/|archive-date=October 30, 2017|url-status=live}} Kaepernick was initially moved to protest by the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of police or while in police custody. These deaths gained prominence through the media and the Black Lives Matter movement in the years immediately preceding the protest.{{cite news|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2016/10/ruth_bader_ginsburg_s_kaepernick_comments_end_the_notorious_rbg_myth.html|title=Ruth Bader Ginsburg Was Never Really "Notorious RBG"| author-link = Mark Joseph Stern | last = Stern |first=Mark Joseph|date=October 11, 2016|work=Slate|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927161156/http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2016/10/ruth_bader_ginsburg_s_kaepernick_comments_end_the_notorious_rbg_myth.html|archive-date=September 27, 2017|url-status=live}} During a post-game interview on August 26, 2016, he stated, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder", adding that he would continue to protest during the anthem until he feels like "[the United States flag] represents what it's supposed to represent."{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/colin-kaepernick-explains-why-he-sat-during-national-anthem-0ap3000000691077|title=Colin Kaepernick explains why he sat during national anthem|last=Wyche|first=Steve|date=August 27, 2016|publisher=National Football League|access-date=August 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827165405/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000691077/article/colin-kaepernick-explains-protest-of-national-anthem|archive-date=August 27, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/18/colin-kaepernick-nfl-black-lives-matter-protests-recall-rebellio/|title=Colin Kaepernick: NFL Black Lives Matter protests recall rebellious spirit of 1960s sporting greats|author=Nick Allen|date=September 18, 2016|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=November 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130224836/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/18/colin-kaepernick-nfl-black-lives-matter-protests-recall-rebellio/|archive-date=November 30, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

After that interview, Kaepernick pledged to donate the first $1 million of his $11.9 million salary from the 2016–2017 season to different organizations that help communities in need.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/colin-kaepernick-says-hell-donate-1-million-to-charities-that-help-communities-in-need/|title=Colin Kaepernick to donate $1 million to charities that aid communities in need|last1=Wagner-McGough|first1=Sean|date=September 2, 2016|publisher=cbssports.com|access-date=October 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017042221/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/colin-kaepernick-says-hell-donate-1-million-to-charities-that-help-communities-in-need/|archive-date=October 17, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} He pledged to donate $100,000 per month for 10 months to various organizations.{{cite web|url=http://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2016/09/20/colin-kaepernick-to-donate-100k-a-month-for-10-months/|title=Colin Kaepernick to donate $100k a month for 10 months|last1=Biderman|first1=Chris|work=USA Today|format=September 20, 2016|access-date=October 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018213014/http://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2016/09/20/colin-kaepernick-to-donate-100k-a-month-for-10-months/|archive-date=October 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all|date=September 20, 2016}} Days later, the San Francisco 49ers matched Kaepernick by pledging $1 million to two organizations addressing racial and social inequality.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-colin-kaepernick-49ers-donation-20160908-snap-story.html|title=49ers to donate $1 million to charities that focus on racial issues cited by Colin Kaepernick|last1=Loumena|first1=Dan|date=September 9, 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=October 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018225111/http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-colin-kaepernick-49ers-donation-20160908-snap-story.html|archive-date=October 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Kaepernick has been following through on his commitment and has donated $900,000 (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=900000|start_year=2017}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) as of September 2017 to groups including Meals on Wheels, United We Dream, Black Veterans for Social Justice and many others.{{Cite news|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/08/colin-kaepernick-nfl-national-anthem-protest-one-million-dollar-pledge-donations-empower-communities|title=Colin Kaepernick has donated $800k to empower oppressed communities|date=August 23, 2017|work=For The Win|access-date=September 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928010003/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/08/colin-kaepernick-nfl-national-anthem-protest-one-million-dollar-pledge-donations-empower-communities|archive-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/maurybrown/2017/09/15/dont-ignore-this-positive-pr-twist-to-colin-kaepernick/#77a7a1d35740|title=Don't Ignore This Positive PR Twist To Colin Kaepernick|last=Brown|first=Maury|work=Forbes|access-date=September 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928010447/https://www.forbes.com/sites/maurybrown/2017/09/15/dont-ignore-this-positive-pr-twist-to-colin-kaepernick/#77a7a1d35740|archive-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Kaepernick has also held "Know Your Rights" camps for young people of color.{{Cite web|url=http://knowyourrightscamp.com/about/|title=About Us – Know Your Rights Camp|website=knowyourrightscamp.com|access-date=2017-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107012755/http://knowyourrightscamp.com/about/|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The camps include legal education from attorneys that give advice on how to interact with police when being detained and lectures from prominent academics on the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenation.com/article/colin-kaepernicks-message-to-chicago-youth-know-your-rights/|title=Colin Kaepernick's Message to Chicago Youth: 'Know Your Rights'|last=Zirin|first=Dave|date=May 10, 2017|work=The Nation|access-date=September 27, 2017|issn=0027-8378|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928010247/https://www.thenation.com/article/colin-kaepernicks-message-to-chicago-youth-know-your-rights/|archive-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/10/30/colin-kaepernick-holds-know-your-rights-camp-for-underprivileged-bay-area-kids/|title=Colin Kaepernick holds 'Know Your Rights' camp for underprivileged Bay Area kids|last=Bieler|first=Des|date=October 30, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=September 27, 2017|issn=0190-8286|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928005714/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/10/30/colin-kaepernick-holds-know-your-rights-camp-for-underprivileged-bay-area-kids/|archive-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) named Kaepernick the Week One MVP in September 2017 for his charity work related to the protest.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/15/nfl-players-union-names-colin-kaepernick-its-week-1-mvp-for-his-charity-work/|title=NFL players' union names Colin Kaepernick its Week 1 MVP for his charity work|last=Payne|first=Marissa|date=September 15, 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=September 27, 2017|issn=0190-8286|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928005350/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/15/nfl-players-union-names-colin-kaepernick-its-week-1-mvp-for-his-charity-work/|archive-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Kaepernick also joined the 10 for 10 challenge, which basically consists of donating ten thousand dollars for ten consecutive days. Some major celebrities that matched Kaepernick's donations include basketball players Steph Curry and Kevin Durant, tennis player Serena Williams, singer Usher, and rappers Snoop Dogg and Meek Mill.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jan/31/colin-kaepernick-million-dollar-pledge-goal|title=Colin Kaepernick reaches $1m pledge goal with help from famous friends|last=sport|first=Guardian|date=2018-01-31|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-04-10|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}

{{see also|Protests against Donald Trump|Donald Trump and American football}}

File:Donald Trump with jersey, helmet and football of New England Patriots.jpg at the White House on April 19, 2017, following their Super Bowl LI win over the Atlanta Falcons]]

In September 2017 at a rally in Huntsville, Alabama, President Trump said NFL owners should fire players who kneel during the national anthem and encouraged fans to walk out. Trump stated he would love to see NFL owners say, "get that son of a bitch off the field right now, out, he's fired. He's fired!"{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/09/23/media/donald-trump-nfl-protest-backlash/index.html|title=With 'son of a bitch' comments, Trump tried to divide NFL and its players|last=Stelter|first=Brian|access-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924064744/http://money.cnn.com/2017/09/23/media/donald-trump-nfl-protest-backlash/index.html|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all|date=September 23, 2017}} He called the players' protest "a total disrespect of our heritage".{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-to-nfl-owners-fire-players-who-kneel-during-national-anthem/|title=Trump to NFL owners: Fire players who kneel during national anthem|date=September 23, 2017|publisher=CBS News|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923151054/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-to-nfl-owners-fire-players-who-kneel-during-national-anthem/|archive-date=September 23, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Trump added on that the new NFL safety rules created to protect players from concussions were ruining the game for the public.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/26/congresswoman-trump-endangering-nfl-players-with-reckless-comments-about-safety/|title=Congresswoman: Trump endangering NFL players with 'reckless' comments about safety|last=Payne|first=Marissa|date=September 26, 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=September 27, 2017|issn=0190-8286|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928005425/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/26/congresswoman-trump-endangering-nfl-players-with-reckless-comments-about-safety/|archive-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} His statement came after a new research indicated that NFL players are at high risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) due to the likelihood of multiple head injuries.{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2017/07/25/539198429/study-cte-found-in-nearly-all-donated-nfl-player-brains|title=Study: CTE Found In Nearly All Donated NFL Player Brains|work=NPR.org|access-date=September 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002145718/http://www.npr.org/2017/07/25/539198429/study-cte-found-in-nearly-all-donated-nfl-player-brains|archive-date=October 2, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Trump said his criticism of the protesters was not related to race. "This has to do with respect for our country and respect for our flag," he said.{{cite news |first1=Bryan Armen |last1=Graham |first2=Martin |last2=Pengelly |title=NFL players kneel for anthem in unprecedented defiance of Trump |date=September 24, 2017 |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/sep/24/donald-trump-nfl-protests-kneel-anthem |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026045803/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/sep/24/donald-trump-nfl-protests-kneel-anthem |archive-date=October 26, 2017 |url-status=live}} In the games immediately following Trump's statements, the protest gained broader participation when over 200 players sat or knelt during the anthem, others linked arms with their teammates or raised fists, and three teams chose to stay in the locker room for the anthem.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/24/sports/nfl-trump-anthem-protests.html|title=After Trump Blasts N.F.L., Players Kneel and Lock Arms in Solidarity|last1=Hoffman|first1=Benjamin|date=September 24, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 27, 2017|last2=Mather|first2=Victor|issn=0362-4331|last3=Fortin|first3=Jacey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927160450/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/24/sports/nfl-trump-anthem-protests.html|archive-date=September 27, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} However, the response quickly turned into one towards Trump, rather than Kaepernick's original protests of racial injustice, which took away largely from Kaepernick's original message.{{cite news|last1=Farmer|first1=Sam|last2=King|first2=Laura|title=As Trump continues his attacks, NFL players protest by kneeling or locking arms|date=September 24, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-players-protest-trump-20170924-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929231226/http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-players-protest-trump-20170924-story.html|archive-date=September 29, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Jonathan|title=A Gesture of Support by NFL Owners Is Meaningless without Them Taking Real Action|date=September 26, 2017|website=SI.com|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/09/26/nfl-anthem-protests-team-owners-shad-khan-dan-snyder|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929183826/https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/09/26/nfl-anthem-protests-team-owners-shad-khan-dan-snyder|archive-date=September 29, 2017|url-status=live}} Reasons cited by players, owners, and coaches included supporting freedom of speech and opposing what they considered intimidation by Trump. Others said they took offense to Trump demeaning the integrity of their primarily African American colleagues, when a month earlier he had hesitated to condemn the white nationalists who protested in Charlottesville, Virginia, and murdered a counter protester.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2017/9/23/16354502/donald-trump-nfl-players-reactions-national-anthem-protests-twitter|title=NFL players respond with heat to Donald Trump's comments about protests|work=SBNation.com|access-date=September 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928010201/https://www.sbnation.com/2017/9/23/16354502/donald-trump-nfl-players-reactions-national-anthem-protests-twitter|archive-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/nfl-eric-reid-donald-trump-race-row-neo-nazis-charlottesville-fine-people-president-us-latest-a7967811.html|title=NFL player who started anti-Trump movement: 'He refers to us with slurs but Charlottesville neo-Nazis as 'very fine people'|date=September 26, 2017|work=The Independent|access-date=September 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928103059/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/nfl-eric-reid-donald-trump-race-row-neo-nazis-charlottesville-fine-people-president-us-latest-a7967811.html|archive-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The reaction to Trump's remarks were amidst other ongoing issues his administration was facing, including failed attempts at healthcare reform, the primary election loss of Trump-backed candidate Luther Strange for the Alabama seat in the U.S. Senate, recovery efforts for Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Hurricane Irma in Florida, and Hurricane Harvey in Houston, and relations with North Korea over their nuclear and missile testing.{{cite news|title=Donald Trump fuels NFL anthem row by tweeting year old video|date=October 1, 2017|newspaper=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/01/donald-trump-fuels-nfl-anthem-row-tweeting-year-old-video/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001063651/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/01/donald-trump-fuels-nfl-anthem-row-tweeting-year-old-video/|archive-date=October 1, 2017|url-status=live}}

Many players beyond the 2017 season have knelt or raised fists in protest against Trump's policies. Other Republicans such as Florida senator Marco Rubio also expressed their discomforts against these policies as well. While Rubio's objections were not aimed directly at President Trump, he did support the rights of players of kneeling during the national anthem, especially Miami Dolphins player Kenny Stills. He tweeted, "No @NFL player does more community service than @KStills of the @MiamiDolphins. You don't have to agree with how or why he has chosen to exercise the 1st Amendment before every game to acknowledge the hours he gives voluntarily, on his day off, to serve his fellow Americans."{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/fl-sp-dolphins-marco-rubio-kenny-stills-20180913-story.html|title=Sen. Marco Rubio praises Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills for community service|last=Deen|first=Safid|website=Los Angeles Times|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427002116/https://www.latimes.com/fl-sp-dolphins-marco-rubio-kenny-stills-20180913-story.html|archive-date=2019-04-27|access-date=2019-04-26}} Rubio has also expressed his feeling about Kaepernick, and while he publicly stated that he does not agree with what Kaepernick does (taking a knee during the national anthem), he does support his rights that allows him to do so and he believes that the NFL should not prohibit him from playing in the league again.

Kaepernick began sitting during the national anthem at the start of the 2016 NFL preseason. His actions went unnoticed for two weeks before he was questioned by the media.{{cite news|last=Levin|first=Josh|title=Colin Kaepernick's Protest Is Working|date=September 12, 2016|work=Slate|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2016/09/colin_kaepernick_s_protest_is_working.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927160614/http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2016/09/colin_kaepernick_s_protest_is_working.html|archive-date=September 27, 2017|url-status=live}} In the 49ers' final 2016 preseason game on September 1, 2016, after talking to Boyer, Kaepernick opted to kneel during the U.S. national anthem rather than sit as he did in their previous games. He explained his decision to switch was an attempt to show more respect to former and current U.S. military members while still protesting during the anthem. Eric Reid joined Kaepernick in kneeling during the national anthem during the final preseason game.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/01/colin-kaepernick-eric-reid-kneel-national-anthem-protest-san-francisco-49ers |title=Colin Kaepernick joined by Eric Reid in kneeling for national anthem protest |agency=AP |date=September 1, 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |access-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907050158/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/01/colin-kaepernick-eric-reid-kneel-national-anthem-protest-san-francisco-49ers |archive-date=September 7, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}} Seattle Seahawks player Jeremy Lane also did not stand for the anthem during his final preseason game the same day, stating, "It's something I plan to keep on doing until justice is being served."{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/seahawks/2016/09/01/jeremy-lane-colin-kaepernick-national-anthem-protest/89752460/|title=Seahawks' Jeremy Lane joins Colin Kaepernick's protest, sits during national anthem|website=USA Today|access-date=September 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160905103948/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/seahawks/2016/09/01/jeremy-lane-colin-kaepernick-national-anthem-protest/89752460/|archive-date=September 5, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

In Week 1, eleven NFL players joined Kaepernick's protests.{{cite web|last1=Breech|first1=John|title=Here are the 11 players who joined Colin Kaepernick's protest in Week 1|date=September 12, 2016 |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/here-are-the-11-players-who-joined-colin-kaepernicks-protest-in-week-1/|publisher=CBS News|access-date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918003249/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/here-are-the-11-players-who-joined-colin-kaepernicks-protest-in-week-1/|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Denver Broncos player Brandon Marshall knelt during the national anthem prior to the start of the Kickoff game, which was broadcast on NBC.{{cite web|last1=Scott|first1=Nate|title=Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall takes knee during national anthem|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/09/broncos-brandon-marshall-takes-knee-national-anthem-colin-kaepernick|work=USA Today|access-date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923104532/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/09/broncos-brandon-marshall-takes-knee-national-anthem-colin-kaepernick|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all|date=September 9, 2016}} The act of kneeling as protest has been referred to as "taking a knee".{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/what-the-nfl-take-a-knee-protests-mean/2017/09/26/4915930e-a210-11e7-b573-8ec86cdfe1ed_story.html|title=Opinion {{!}} What the NFL take-a-knee protests mean|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=2017-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003075819/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/what-the-nfl-take-a-knee-protests-mean/2017/09/26/4915930e-a210-11e7-b573-8ec86cdfe1ed_story.html|archive-date=October 3, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/30/us/costas-nfl-cnntv/index.html|title=Bob Costas: Stand for anthem, then take a knee|first=Alexandra |last=King|work=CNN|access-date=2017-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003124816/http://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/30/us/costas-nfl-cnntv/index.html|archive-date=October 3, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/taking-a-knee-national-anthem-nfl-trump-why-meaning-origins-racism-us-colin-kaepernick-a7966961.html|title=All you need to know about why NFL players are taking a knee and where it came from|date=2017-09-25|work=The Independent|access-date=2017-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928035104/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/taking-a-knee-national-anthem-nfl-trump-why-meaning-origins-racism-us-colin-kaepernick-a7966961.html|archive-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Kaepernick and Marshall were teammates at the University of Nevada.

Kaepernick and Marshall were by no means the first pro football players to be seen kneeling on the field. Beginning in 2011, the Denver Broncos' then-quarterback Tim Tebow was seen kneeling on the sidelines, as if in prayer, often enough to inspire the neologism "Tebowing". Tebow was awarded a trademark for that term in 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tim-tebow-awarded-trademark-to-tebowing-0ap1000000082438|title=Tim Tebow awarded trademark to Tebowing|work=National Football League|date=October 19, 2012|access-date=October 19, 2012}} (Tebow's actions were not considered controversial at the time.)

On September 11, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters raised his fist while the rest of the team interlocked their arms showing solidarity.{{cite news|last1=Gajanan|first1=Mahita|title=Kansas City Chiefs Cornerback Marcus Peters Raises Fist During National Anthem|url=https://time.com/4486853/kansas-city-chiefs-marcus-peters-national-anthem/|magazine=Time|access-date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917233412/http://time.com/4486853/kansas-city-chiefs-marcus-peters-national-anthem/|archive-date=September 17, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Two members of the New England Patriots, Devin McCourty and Martellus Bennett, raised their fists on Sunday Night Football. The entire Seattle Seahawks team stood and interlocked arms.{{cite web|last1=Arnold|first1=Geoffrey|title=Seattle Seahawks lock arms during national anthem|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/index.ssf/2016/09/seattle_seahawks_lock_arms_dur.html|work=The Oregonian|access-date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923114745/http://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/index.ssf/2016/09/seattle_seahawks_lock_arms_dur.html|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all|date=September 12, 2016}} Jelani Jenkins, Arian Foster, Kenny Stills, and Michael Thomas of the Miami Dolphins all knelt during the National Anthem.{{cite news|url=http://www.ajc.com/sports/miami-dolphins-kneel-during-national-anthem/tVERFq0ty4uFmEqT2ULKCL/|title=4 Miami Dolphins kneel during national anthem|first=Hal|last=Habib|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|access-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906141157/http://www.ajc.com/sports/miami-dolphins-kneel-during-national-anthem/tVERFq0ty4uFmEqT2ULKCL/|archive-date=September 6, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} At the same time, a group of Jacksonville Jaguars players, led by cornerback Prince Amukamara, initially planned to join the protest but chose not to do so after photographs of Kaepernick wearing socks with a crude anti-police message during training camp were made public.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/jacksonville-jaguars/post/_/id/19870/jaguars-players-considered-protest-but-pig-socks-derailed-plans|title=Jaguars players considered protest, but pig socks scuttled plans|access-date=December 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123201306/http://www.espn.com/blog/jacksonville-jaguars/post/_/id/19870/jaguars-players-considered-protest-but-pig-socks-derailed-plans|archive-date=November 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all|date=November 16, 2016}}

On November 13, 2016, five days after Donald Trump was elected President, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide-receiver Mike Evans decided to sit during the national anthem. According to Sports Illustrated, Evans said, "If this happens, then America's not right right now. I said this a long time ago. When he ran, I thought it was a joke, and the joke continues. I'm not a political person that much, but I got common sense. And I know when something's not right."{{Cite news |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/mike-evans-sat-during-anthem-to-protest-donald-trump-presidency/ |title=Mike Evans sat during anthem to protest Donald Trump presidency |publisher=CBSSports.com |access-date=November 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128133213/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/mike-evans-sat-during-anthem-to-protest-donald-trump-presidency/ |archive-date=November 28, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} However, his protest began the day following Veterans Day, so he received criticism. He quickly changed his method of protesting and joined his teammates during the following game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He apologized to veterans and other members of the military for his actions – citing that the timing of his protest was poor. "On the field, I'm going to continue to do what I do – play hard. I'm playing hard because I've got this right – freedom, because of the vets. I'm going to reach out to organizations, organizations that I feel are doing the best job to help the minority ... women, LGBT, African Americans, Latinos, people that are in fear of Donald Trump and his presidency."{{Cite news |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/tampa-bay-buccaneers/post/_/id/15124/bucs-mike-evans-stands-for-national-anthem |title=Bucs' Mike Evans ends protest, stands for national anthem |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128050728/http://www.espn.com/blog/tampa-bay-buccaneers/post/_/id/15124/bucs-mike-evans-stands-for-national-anthem |archive-date=November 28, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}

Cleveland Browns tight end Seth DeValve became the first white football player to kneel or sit during the anthem on the team's August 21, 2017, preseason game against the New York Giants.{{cite web|url=http://deadspin.com/seth-devalve-is-the-first-white-player-to-kneel-for-the-1798295618|title=Seth DeValve Is The First White Player To Kneel for the National Anthem|last=Baccellieri|first=Emma|date=August 22, 2017 |access-date=August 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822053647/http://deadspin.com/seth-devalve-is-the-first-white-player-to-kneel-for-the-1798295618|archive-date=August 22, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

File:Washington Redskins National Anthem Kneeling (37301887651) (cropped) (cropped).jpg players kneeling before the game with the Oakland Raiders]]

In Week 3 of the season the majority of games were played two days after Trump made his statements.{{cite web|last1=Graham|first1=Bryan|title=Donald Trump blasts NFL anthem protesters: 'Get that son of a bitch off the field'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/sep/22/donald-trump-nfl-national-anthem-protests|website=The Guardian|date=September 23, 2017|access-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923222421/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/sep/22/donald-trump-nfl-national-anthem-protests|archive-date=September 23, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The protest gained broader participation when over 200 players sat or knelt during the anthem.{{cite news|title=Cowboys are one of six NFL teams that haven't had a player kneel, sit or raise a fist during national anthem|date=September 25, 2017|newspaper=The Dallas Morning News|url=https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2017/09/25/cowboys-one-six-nfl-teams-player-kneel-sit-national-anthem|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927202106/https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2017/09/25/cowboys-one-six-nfl-teams-player-kneel-sit-national-anthem|archive-date=September 27, 2017|url-status=live}} Many players, coaches and NFL teams protested and/or issued statements expressing dismay with Trump's comments:{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/249755/nfl-players-who-protested-during-the-national-anthem-in-week-3|title=NFL players who protested during the national anthem in Week 3|publisher=ESPN|access-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925014751/http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/249755/nfl-players-who-protested-during-the-national-anthem-in-week-3|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

• Twenty-seven members of the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars knelt during the American national anthem at their game at Wembley Stadium in London.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/sep/24/donald-trump-defied-wembley-jaguars-ravens-nfl-kneel-anthem |title=Donald Trump defied at Wembley as Jaguars and Ravens kneel for anthem |last=Wembley |first=Sean Ingle at |date=September 24, 2017 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=September 25, 2017 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924205616/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/sep/24/donald-trump-defied-wembley-jaguars-ravens-nfl-kneel-anthem |archive-date=September 24, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}} Retired Ravens star and honorary Team Captain Ray Lewis knelt with members of his team.{{Cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-ravens-anthem-protest-20170924-story.html|title=Some Ravens and Jaguars take knee during national anthem in wake of comments by President Trump|last=Zrebiec|first=Jeff|work=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925083233/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-ravens-anthem-protest-20170924-story.html|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} All of the players stood for the British national anthem "God Save the Queen", with many remaining in locked arms.{{Cite news|last=Sweeney|first=Don|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article175130091.html|title=NFL players in London kneel for the US national anthem but stand for the British one|work=Miami Herald|date=September 24, 2017|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924183619/http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article175130091.html|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}
• Several members of the Philadelphia Eagles raised their fists during the anthem before their game against the New York Giants. Before the same game, various Giants players stood with arms locked while others knelt.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/24/sports/nfl-trump-anthem-protests.html |title=Tom Brady Joins Anthem Demonstration as N.F.L. Protests Trump Comments |last1=Belson |first1=Ken |last2=Manchester |first2=Sam |date=September 24, 2017 |website=The New York Times |access-date=September 24, 2017 |last3=Mather |first3=Victor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924165431/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/24/sports/nfl-trump-anthem-protests.html |archive-date=September 24, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}
• The Seattle Seahawks and the Tennessee Titans did not take the field during the playing of the anthem, staying in their locker rooms until it concluded. The players of the Seahawks released a statement saying, "We will not stand for the injustice that has plagued people of color in this country. Out of love for our country and in honor of the sacrifices made on our behalf, we unite to oppose those that would deny our most basic freedoms." Meghan Linsey, the Nashville singer who performed the anthem, knelt when she completed the song.{{Cite news|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2017/09/24/meghan-linsey-kneels-after-singing-national-anthem-titans-seahawks-game/698362001/|title=Meghan Linsey kneels after singing national anthem at Titans-Seahawks game|work=The Tennessean|access-date=September 25, 2017}}
• Before the opening of their game against the Houston Texans, various New England Patriots players and staff also expressed their concerns, including quarterback Tom Brady locking arms with Phillip Dorsett, and head coach Bill Belichick crossing his arms in front of him. Sixteen members of the Patriots knelt during the anthem. Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he was disappointed at the tone in which Trump's comments were made.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-nfl-20190201-story.html|title=For years, Trump bashed the NFL and players who protested racial injustice. Here's why he stopped|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|first=Noah|last=Bierman|date=February 2, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201163650/https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-nfl-20190201-story.html|archive-date=February 1, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

File:San Francisco 49ers National Anthem Kneeling (37721041581).jpg

• Several members of the Miami Dolphins wore "#IMWITHKAP" T-shirts on the field during the pregame warmup, in support of Kaepernick's actions.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/09/24/donald-trump-nfl-player-protests-national-anthem-week-3-response/697609001/|title=NFL player protests sweep league after President Donald Trump's hostile remarks|work=USA Today|access-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925041022/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/09/24/donald-trump-nfl-player-protests-national-anthem-week-3-response/697609001/|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The team locked arms during the anthem, with five members kneeling. The opposing team, the New York Jets, also linked arms during the anthem.{{Cite news|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article175171896.html|title=Why did Stills kneel Sunday? Because he felt Trump tried to 'scare' or 'intimidate' him|work=Miami Herald|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925083418/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article175171896.html|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}
• All Pittsburgh Steelers players except Alejandro Villanueva, who served as an Army Ranger, refused to leave the locker room during the anthem. On the sideline, the Chicago Bears players locked their arms while the anthem was performed.{{Cite news|url=http://wgntv.com/2017/09/24/nfl-sunday-kicks-off-amid-beef-between-players-trump/|title=From Chicago to London, NFL players react to Trump's protest critiques|date=September 24, 2017|publisher=WGN-TV|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924233654/http://wgntv.com/2017/09/24/nfl-sunday-kicks-off-amid-beef-between-players-trump/|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Villanueva has since expressed regret for his actions.{{Cite news|url=http://www.journalnow.com/news/nation_world/villanueva-on-anthem-flap-it-wasn-t-me-stepping-forward/article_62177918-7571-5d91-9bbf-f2337ea908ef.html|title=Villanueva on anthem flap: 'It wasn't me stepping forward'|agency=Associated Press|work=Winston-Salem Journal|access-date=2017-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926235724/http://www.journalnow.com/news/nation_world/villanueva-on-anthem-flap-it-wasn-t-me-stepping-forward/article_62177918-7571-5d91-9bbf-f2337ea908ef.html|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}
• The majority of the Oakland Raiders either sat or knelt during the anthem, with several members of the opposing Washington Redskins either kneeling or joining arms as well.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/09/24/raiders-sit-during-national-anthem-they-couldnt-stay-locker-room|title=Most of the Raiders took a seat during national anthem|last=Rollins|first=Khadrice|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925063442/https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/09/24/raiders-sit-during-national-anthem-they-couldnt-stay-locker-room|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}
• Thirty-two members of the Denver Broncos knelt during the anthem.{{Cite news|url=http://www.denverpost.com/2017/09/24/von-miller-broncos-kneel-national-anthem/|title=Von Miller among 32 Broncos players who take a knee for national anthem|date=September 24, 2017|work=The Denver Post|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924214352/http://www.denverpost.com/2017/09/24/von-miller-broncos-kneel-national-anthem/|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} At least ten members of the Buffalo Bills also knelt during the anthem, while other team members locked arms.{{Cite news|url=http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2017/09/buffalo_bills_national_anthem_protests_kneeling_racial_injustive_donald_trump.html|title=Buffalo Bills lock arms during national anthem in response to Donald Trump|publisher=NewYorkUpstate.com|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925083529/http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2017/09/buffalo_bills_national_anthem_protests_kneeling_racial_injustive_donald_trump.html|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Running back LeSean McCoy said "My message to him (Trump) is, be a president, be respectful, man. You know, us Americans, we are together. Stop trying to divide us."{{Cite news|url=http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/09/lesean_mccoy_says_donald_trump.html|title=LeSean McCoy says Donald Trump should 'be a president,' 'be respectful'|publisher=PennLive.com|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925083252/http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/09/lesean_mccoy_says_donald_trump.html|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} McCoy performed stretches during the national anthem.
• The Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals players locked arms during the anthem, while everyone on the Cowboys, including owner and general manager Jerry Jones, knelt before the anthem was played.{{cite web|last1=Archer|first1=Todd|last2=Weinfuss|first2=Josh|title=Cowboys, Cardinals lock arms for national anthem in show of unity|publisher=ESPN|date=September 26, 2017|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20819786/dallas-cowboys-arizona-cardinals-lock-arms-monday-night-football-game|access-date=September 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926155554/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20819786/dallas-cowboys-arizona-cardinals-lock-arms-monday-night-football-game|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}
• The New Orleans Saints established a plan with their team prior to their game against the Miami Dolphins on how they will handle the national anthem before the game. Drew Brees stated on Twitter prior to the game, "As a way to show respect to all, our #Saints team will kneel in solidarity prior to the national anthem & stand together during the anthem."{{Cite news|url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/09/saints_protest_national_anthem.html|title=Drew Brees: Saints plan to kneel before national anthem, stand during it on Sunday|publisher=2017 NOLA media group|access-date=October 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001222125/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/09/saints_protest_national_anthem.html|archive-date=October 1, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}
• More than ten Indianapolis Colts and about 20 Cleveland Browns players knelt on one knee while the remaining players locked arms during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in Indianapolis, Indiana. The actions were met by some boos from the crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium.{{cite web |url=http://www.theindychannel.com/sports/colts/colts-kneel-lock-arms-in-show-of-unity-against-donald-trumps-comments |title=Colts kneel, lock arms in show of unity against Donald Trump's comments |publisher=WRTV |date=September 24, 2017 |access-date=October 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027205631/http://www.theindychannel.com/sports/colts/colts-kneel-lock-arms-in-show-of-unity-against-donald-trumps-comments |archive-date=October 27, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/249755/nfl-players-who-protested-during-the-national-anthem-in-week-3 |title=NFL players who protested during the national anthem in Week 3 |publisher=ESPN |date=September 25, 2017 |access-date=October 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018233550/http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/249755/nfl-players-who-protested-during-the-national-anthem-in-week-3 |archive-date=October 18, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} Indiana is the home state of Vice President Mike Pence, who weeks later intentionally walked out of a Colts game against the 49ers.{{cite news|last=Crawford|first=Dakota|title=What is cost for Mike Pence to leave the Colts-49ers game|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/10/08/vice-president-mike-pences-quick-and-costly-exit-colts-49-ers-game/744668001/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|date=October 8, 2017|access-date=June 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009073220/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/10/08/vice-president-mike-pences-quick-and-costly-exit-colts-49-ers-game/744668001/|archive-date=October 9, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

On October 15, 2017, Colin Kaepernick filed a grievance for collusion against NFL owners. Instead of using the NFLPA, Kaepernick hired Mark Geragos to be his attorney.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21035352/colin-kaepernick-files-grievance-nfl-owners-collusion|title=QB Colin Kaepernick files grievance for collusion against NFL owners|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-09-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929000504/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21035352/colin-kaepernick-files-grievance-nfl-owners-collusion|archive-date=September 29, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} On February 15, 2019, the grievance was settled by mutual confidential agreement between the parties.{{Cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/15/sports/nfl-colin-kaepernick.html |title= Colin Kaepernick and the N.F.L. Settle Collusion Case |work=The New York Times|date= February 15, 2019 |access-date=2020-06-14|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200612114345/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/15/sports/nfl-colin-kaepernick.html|archive-date=June 12, 2020|url-status=live|df=mdy-all|last1= Draper |first1= Kevin |last2= Belson |first2= Ken }}

In Week 8 at Seattle, the majority of the Texans players knelt during the anthem after Houston owner Bob McNair had commented about having the "inmates running the prison" during a league owner meeting regarding the ongoing protest. McNair had apologized, stating that he was not referring to the players, but rather to the "relationship between the league office and team owners".{{cite news|last=Barshop|first=Sarah|title=Texans' Duane Brown on kneeling for anthem: Team felt sense of unity playing for each other|date=October 29, 2017|website=ESPN.com|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21215907/majority-houston-texans-players-kneeled-linked-arms-national-anthem|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030025608/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21215907/majority-houston-texans-players-kneeled-linked-arms-national-anthem|archive-date=October 30, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first1=Seth|last1=Wickersham|first2=Don Jr.|last2=Van Natta|title=Gaffes, TV ratings concerns dominated as NFL, players forged anthem peace|date=October 27, 2017|website=ESPN.com|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/21170410/gaffes-tv-ratings-concerns-dominated-nfl-players-forged-anthem-peace-league-meetings|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029050500/http://www.espn.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/21170410/gaffes-tv-ratings-concerns-dominated-nfl-players-forged-anthem-peace-league-meetings|archive-date=October 29, 2017|url-status=live}} It was the first time a Texans player had knelt during the anthem.{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Aaron|title=Texans' Duane Brown says Bob McNair meeting 'didn't go too well'|date=October 29, 2017|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Majority-of-Texans-kneel-for-national-anthem-12315599.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030132035/http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Majority-of-Texans-kneel-for-national-anthem-12315599.php|archive-date=October 30, 2017|url-status=live}}

On May 23, 2018, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and all NFL team owners, except for two that abstained from voting in a show of hand voting process, approved a new policy that would require all players to stand during the national anthem or be given the option to stay in the locker room during the national anthem. The vote took place without consulting the NFLPA.{{cite news|last=Healy|first=John|title=NFL admits there was no official vote on national anthem policy, instead informal show of hands|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/nfl-admits-no-official-vote-national-anthem-policy-article-1.4009450|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=May 25, 2018|access-date=June 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526043054/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/nfl-admits-no-official-vote-national-anthem-policy-article-1.4009450|archive-date=May 26, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The policy also stated that any players from all NFL teams who protested the anthem while on the field would become subject to discipline from the league. In addition, the teams as a whole would be subject to punishment and other forms of discipline from the NFL as a result.{{cite news|last=Knoblauch|first=Austin|title=NFL expected to enact national anthem policy for '18|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-expected-to-enact-national-anthem-policy-for-18-0ap3000000933952|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=May 23, 2018|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524003621/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000933952/article/nfl-expected-to-enact-national-anthem-policy-for-18|archive-date=May 24, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|title=Roger Goodell's statement on national anthem policy|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000933962/article/roger-goodells-statement-on-national-anthem-policy|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=May 23, 2018|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523184943/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000933962/article/roger-goodells-statement-on-national-anthem-policy|archive-date=May 23, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

In disagreement with the policy, several players on the Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles indicated that they would decline an invitation from Trump to visit the White House on June 5, leading the President to rescind the offer the day before the event.{{cite news|title=Donald Trump calls off Eagles' White House visit over national anthem dispute|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/donald-trump-calls-off-eagles-white-house-visit-players-decline-invitation-232323202.html|publisher=Oath Inc. (Verizon)|website=Yahoo Sports|date=June 4, 2018|access-date=June 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604235948/https://sports.yahoo.com/donald-trump-calls-off-eagles-white-house-visit-players-decline-invitation-232323202.html|archive-date=June 4, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The Eagles were the second sports franchise that Trump had uninvited, joining the 2017 National Basketball Association (NBA) champion Golden State Warriors, whose visit was cancelled after several players publicly declined to attend.{{cite news|title='Fragile egomaniac': Philly Mayor responds to Trump's White House snub|date=June 5, 2018|work=Fox Sports|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nfl/donald-trump-cancels-the-philadelphia-eagles-visit-to-the-white-house/news-story/e6a2b3c5b5ee2a9f7f0a8b42633e0706|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718112114/https://www.foxsports.com.au/nfl/donald-trump-cancels-the-philadelphia-eagles-visit-to-the-white-house/news-story/e6a2b3c5b5ee2a9f7f0a8b42633e0706|archive-date=July 18, 2018|url-status=live}}

On July 19, the NFL and the players association issued a joint statement that "no rules relating to the anthem will be issued for the next several weeks." This came after the Associated Press had reported earlier in the day that Miami team rules stated that improper anthem conduct could result in a player suspension of up to four games, more than some players receive for violating the league's domestic violence policy.{{cite news|last=Orr|first=Connor|title=The Five Hours That Forced the NFL to Reconsider Its Anthem Policy|date=July 20, 2018|website=SI.com|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/07/19/miami-dolphins-national-anthem-policy-rule-nfl-training-camp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721123241/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/07/19/miami-dolphins-national-anthem-policy-rule-nfl-training-camp|archive-date=July 21, 2018}} The following day, Trump tweeted that players should be suspended for one game the first time kneeling, and for the entire season without pay after a second offense.{{cite news|last=West|first=Jenna|title=Donald Trump Suggests Players Kneeling for Anthem Should Be Suspended for Entire Season|date=July 20, 2018|website=SI.com|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/07/20/donald-trump-national-anthem-policy-players-kneel-no-pay-suspended|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721105831/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/07/20/donald-trump-national-anthem-policy-players-kneel-no-pay-suspended|archive-date=July 21, 2018|url-status=live}}

On February 3, 2019, Maroon 5 headlined the Super Bowl LIII halftime show in Atlanta, Georgia, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with American rappers Big Boi and Travis Scott.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/super-bowl/8496257/maroon-5-full-super-bowl-halftime-show-video |title=Watch Maroon 5's Full Super Bowl Halftime Show |magazine=Billboard |last=Acevedo |first=Angelica |date=February 3, 2019 |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208165949/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/super-bowl/8496257/maroon-5-full-super-bowl-halftime-show-video |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3111411/maroon-5-travis-scott-super-bowl-halftime-show |title=Maroon 5 Brought Out Travis Scott, Big Boi, And SpongeBob For The Super Bowl Halftime Show |website=MTV |first1=Trey |last1=Alston |date=February 3, 2019 |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217070307/http://www.mtv.com/news/3111411/maroon-5-travis-scott-super-bowl-halftime-show/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://people.com/music/super-bowl-2019-adam-levine-jordan-feldstein-halftime-show |title=Adam Levine Dedicates Halftime Performance to Jordan Feldstein Over a Year After Manager's Death |website=People |last=Tracy |first=Brianne |date=February 3, 2019 |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204062625/https://people.com/music/super-bowl-2019-adam-levine-jordan-feldstein-halftime-show/ |url-status=live }} The band's decision was controversial, because other musicians, including Cardi B and Rihanna, refused to perform. The musicians who pulled out did so to show their support for Colin Kaepernick and others who protested police brutality and racism by kneeling during the U.S. national anthem and faced repercussions by the NFL for doing so.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-46860684 |title=Maroon 5 to perform Super Bowl despite controversy |date=January 14, 2019 |access-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219201044/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-46860684 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Helmore |first=Edward |date=2019-01-06 |title=Star names say no to Super Bowl show in support of police brutality protest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jan/06/super-bowl-half-time-show-rihanna-cardi-b-colin-kaepernick |access-date=2024-02-12 |work=The Observer |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}} The performance drew criticism from audiences and critics.{{cite web|last1=Grady|first1=Constance|title=The Super Bowl halftime show controversies, explained|url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/2/1/18202128/super-bowl-2019-liii-53-halftime-show-controversy-maroon-5-travis-scott-big-boi|website=Vox, Inc.|date=February 3, 2019|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-date=March 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301013423/https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/2/1/18202128/super-bowl-2019-liii-53-halftime-show-controversy-maroon-5-travis-scott-big-boi|url-status=live}}

During the 2019 season, only three players continued to protest.

Eric Reid of the Carolina Panthers continued to kneel throughout the season. Reid was the first player on the Carolina Panthers to kneel during the playing of the national anthem.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/07/29/carolina-panthers-eric-reid-anthem-kneeling|title=Eric Reid not stopping with kneeling during anthem|first=Scooby|last=Axson|magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

Kenny Stills, who was traded to the Houston Texans, continued to kneel during the playing of the anthem.{{Cite web|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/09/kenny-stills-took-a-knee-for-the-national-anthem/|title=Kenny Stills took a knee for the national anthem|first=Charean|last=Williams|date=September 10, 2019}} Stills said that he would continue to do so even if it were to threaten his career.{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/kenny-stills-continue-kneel-during-153502355.html|title=Kenny Stills will continue to kneel during national anthem — even if it costs him his job|website=sports.yahoo.com|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011534/https://sports.yahoo.com/kenny-stills-continue-kneel-during-153502355.html|url-status=dead}}

Albert Wilson of the Miami Dolphins continued to kneel during the playing of the national anthem.{{Cite web|url=https://thegrio.com/2019/09/11/miami-dolphins-albert-wilson-still-kneels-on-the-field/|title=Miami Dolphins' Albert Wilson still kneels on the field|first=Kia|last=Morgan-Smith|date=September 11, 2019}}

After the creation of a video featuring NFL players, among them incumbent Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, asking the league to address racial inequalities following the May murder of George Floyd, commissioner Roger Goodell released a video of his own condemning racism and apologizing for the NFL's handling of previous protests.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/05/sport/roger-goodell-responds-nfl-stronger-together-video/index.html|title=NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says league was wrong for not listening to players earlier about racism|date=June 5, 2020|website=CNN}} The league later announced plans to play "Lift Every Voice and Sing", also known as the Black national anthem, prior to "The Star-Spangled Banner" during Week 1 games.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29401000/nfl-plans-play-black-national-anthem-week-1-games|title=Source: NFL plans to play Black national anthem before Week 1 games|date=July 2, 2020|website=ESPN.com}} The season-opening game between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs saw the Texans remaining in the locker room during both songs, while Kansas City had its players on the sidelines, almost all of them standing. Alex Okafor was the only Chief to kneel and also raised his fist.{{cite web | last=McDowell | first=Sam | title=Chiefs' Alex Okafor kneels for national anthem, then fans boo 'moment of unity' | website=The Kansas City Star | date=10 September 2020 | url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article245626425.html | access-date=3 August 2023}} The two teams later joined together at midfield for a moment of unity and silence, while social justice messages were displayed.{{cite news|first=Adam|last=Teicher|date=September 10, 2020|title=Texans stay in locker room while Chiefs stand for national anthem|website=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29855968/texans-stay-locker-room-chiefs-stand-national-anthem|access-date=September 11, 2020}}

Both the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks stood with their arms linked. Jamal Adams of the Seahawks raised his fist while others either knelt, sat or remained in the locker room.{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/all-22-seahawks-and-falcons-players-take-a-knee-during-the-opening-kickoff-to-protest-racial-injustice/|title = All 22 Seahawks and Falcons players take a knee during the opening kickoff to protest racial injustice|date = September 13, 2020}} After the anthems, both teams knelt during a moment of silence.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/falcons-stand-during-both-anthems-seahawks-protest/X7IPOZLS2VCCFP3EQPE4MNNQ5Q/|title = Falcons stand during both anthems; Seahawks protest|newspaper = The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|last1 = Ledbetter|first1 = D. Orlando}}

The Miami Dolphins remained in the locker room prior to playing the home team New England Patriots who were the only team to not protest in any manner.{{Cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2020/09/13/patriots-stand-for-national-anthem#:~:text=Patriots%20stand%20for%20national%20anthem%20as%20Dolphins%20follow%20through,to%20staying%20in%20locker%20room&text=FOXBOROUGH%20%E2%80%94%20All%20Patriots%20stood%20for,did%20any%20raise%20their%20fists.|title = Patriots stand for national anthem as Dolphins follow through on commitment to staying in locker room}}

Both the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets remained in the locker rooms until just before kickoff.{{Cite web|last=Reporter|first=Jason Wolf News Sports|title=Bills, Jets remain in locker room for national anthem, 'Lift Every Voice and Sing'|url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/bills-jets-remain-in-locker-room-for-national-anthem-lift-every-voice-and-sing/article_b823fa18-f5e3-11ea-9371-6f904cde4044.html|access-date=2021-04-26|website=The Buffalo News|date=September 13, 2020 |language=en}}

Most of the Baltimore Ravens either knelt or sat on the bench.{{Cite web|last=Oyefusi|first=Daniel|title=Many Ravens kneel during national anthem before opener in 'demonstration for justice and equality for all Americans'|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-kneel-anthem-season-opener-browns-justice-equality-20200913-c4vx7r63cvfbtfsxvhty6y7vcy-story.html|access-date=2021-04-26|website=baltimoresun.com|date=September 13, 2020 }} On the other side, Myles Garrett, KhaDarel Hodge, and Ronnie Harrison of the Cleveland Browns knelt.{{Cite web|last1=Labbe|first1=Dan|last2=clevel|last3=.com|date=2020-09-13|title=Browns Myles Garrett, KhaDarel Hodge, Ronnie Harrison kneel during national anthem|url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09/browns-myles-garrett-khadarel-hodge-ronnie-harrison-kneel-during-national-anthem.html|access-date=2021-04-26|website=cleveland|language=en}}

Bisi Johnson, Tajae Sharpe, Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah, Jalyn Holmes and Nate Meadors of the Minnesota Vikings knelt. This was the first time that any member of the Vikings did so. The visiting Green Bay Packers remained in the locker room. The Vikings' Gjallarhorn was not blown to call attention to "silenced voices".{{Cite web|date=2020-09-14|title=Vikings bring attention to social justice, and six players kneel for anthem|url=https://www.twincities.com/2020/09/13/vikings-bring-attention-to-social-justice-and-a-half-dozen-players-kneel-for-anthem/|access-date=2021-04-26|website=Twin Cities|language=en-US}}

Eight players on the Carolina Panthers including Teddy Bridgewater and Robby Anderson knelt while others locked arms and raised fists. Anderson plans on protesting for the entire season.{{cite web | last=Alexander | first=Jonathan M. | title=Why the Panthers' Teddy Bridgewater, Robby Anderson took a knee during national anthem | website=Charlotte Observer | date=13 September 2020 | url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article245700855.html | access-date=3 August 2023}} The visiting Las Vegas Raiders linked arms. Trent Brown stood on his own behind everyone else, but did not protest.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-13|title=Raiders link arms for national anthem as some Panthers kneel in protest of police violence|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/09/13/raiders-link-arms-for-national-anthem-as-some-panthers-kneel-in-protest-of-police-violence|access-date=2021-04-26|website=The Mercury News|language=en-US}}

Washington Football Team players knelt in unison during a moment of silence before standing during the Star-Spangled Banner. Several Football Team players raised their fists while the visiting Philadelphia Eagles remained in the locker room.{{Cite web|last=Frank|first=Martin|title=Eagles stay in locker room during national anthem; some Washington players raise a fist|url=https://www.delawareonline.com/story/sports/nfl/eagles/2020/09/13/eagles-stay-locker-room-during-national-anthem-some-washington-players-raise-fist/3463136001/|access-date=2021-04-26|website=The News Journal|language=en-US}}

The Jacksonville Jaguars remained in the locker room while Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich was the only person on the visiting sidelines to kneel.{{Cite web|last=Staff|date=2020-09-13|title=Jaguars remain in locker room during national anthem|url=https://www.news4jax.com/sports/2020/09/13/jaguars-remain-in-locker-room-during-national-anthem/|access-date=2021-04-26|website=WJXT|language=en}}

Multiple players on the Chicago Bears knelt while others raised their fists. At least 21 remained in the locker room.{{Cite web|last=Kane|first=Colleen|title=Bears take a mixed approach to the national anthem in Week 1 — some stand, some kneel and some stay off the field|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-national-anthem-20200913-tgr7afu7mfgn5ball24c6ewzgi-story.html|access-date=2021-04-26|website=chicagotribune.com|date=September 13, 2020 }} The home team Detroit Lions did the same with players either kneeling or leaving the field.{{Cite web|last=Monarrez|first=Carlos|title=Some Detroit Lions kneel, others leave field during national anthem before season opener|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/13/detroit-lions-kneel-others-leave-field-national-anthem-chicago-bears/5785630002/|access-date=2021-04-26|website=Detroit Free Press|language=en-US}}

Both the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers stood with their arms linked. The Bengals are one of three teams to not have any kneeling players since the demonstrations began. The other two are Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers. {{Cite web|last=Staff|first=WLWT Digital|date=2020-09-14|title=Bengals players lock arms on field during national anthem ahead of home opener|url=https://www.wlwt.com/article/bengals-players-lock-arms-on-field-for-demonstration-of-unity-ahead-of-home-opener/34003871|access-date=2021-04-26|website=WLWT|language=en}}

Jerick McKinnon and Richie James of the San Francisco 49ers both sat on the bench while the visiting Arizona Cardinals remained in the locker room.{{Cite news|last=Letourneau|first=Connor|date=2020-09-13|title=Two 49ers players sit for national anthem; Cardinals remain in locker room|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/Two-49ers-players-sit-for-national-anthem-15563912.php|access-date=2021-04-26|website=San Francisco Chronicle|language=en-US}}

Malcolm Jenkins was the only player on the New Orleans Saints that protested. He remained in the locker room until the coin toss. The visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers linked arms.{{Cite web|title=Saints stand for National Anthem during first home game|url=https://www.wwltv.com/article/sports/nfl/saints/saints-stand-for-national-anthem-for-first-home-game/289-ca2aa3c8-5938-4475-9e88-83588cd6aba1|access-date=2021-04-26|website=wwltv.com|date=September 13, 2020|language=en-US}}

Dontari Poe was the lone player on the Dallas Cowboys that knelt making him the first Cowboy to do so. The hometown Los Angeles Rams saw twelve players kneel before the Sunday Night Football game.{{Cite web|title=Cowboys' Poe, Several Rams Kneel During National Anthem Ahead of Season Opener|url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/cowboys-poe-several-rams-kneel-during-national-anthem-ahead-of-season-opener/2443103/|access-date=2021-04-26|website=NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth|date=September 14, 2020 |language=en-US}}

Over twenty players on the New York Giants either knelt or raised their fists. The visiting Pittsburgh Steelers stood with linked arms hoisting an anti-racism sign while some raised their fists.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-14|title=New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers make social justice statements prior to kickoff|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29887598/new-york-giants-pittsburgh-steelers-make-social-justice-statements-prior-kickoff|access-date=2021-04-26|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}

Every Denver Broncos player knelt or raised their fists during the anthem, as well as all Tennessee Titans players, except Derrick Henry.{{Cite web|last=WZTV|first=Associated Press|date=2020-09-15|title=Gostkowski kick in final seconds gives Titans' 16-14 win at Denver|url=https://fox17.com/news/local/gostkowski-kick-in-final-seconds-gives-titans-16-14-win-at-denver|access-date=2021-04-26|website=WZTV}}

On September 17, 2020, the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns stood together with arms linked. None of the Browns players from the previous game knelt.{{Cite web|title=Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals stand together for national anthem|url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nfl/browns/browns-bengals-2020-national-anthem/95-30506056-2bd8-49a7-8ce6-40a338598e92|access-date=2021-04-26|website=wkyc.com|date=September 18, 2020|language=en-US}}

Later Seasons

The NFL responded by increasing its promotion of social justice initiatives, including “Inspire Change” messaging and helmet decals with phrases like “End Racism.” {{Cite news |date=September 2, 2021 |title=NFL brings back social justice helmet decals, end zone stencils as part of Inspire Change platform |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32132328/nfl-brings-back-social-justice-helmet-decals-end-zone-stencils-part-inspire-change-platform}} The End Racism message written in the end zone was removed for Super Bowl LIX, the first game since the 2021 season without this message.{{Cite news |last=Demby |first=Gene |date=2025-02-08 |title=The NFL is removing 'End Racism' from its Super Bowl end zone |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/02/08/nx-s1-5290233/nfl-super-bowl-end-racism-end-zone |access-date=2025-03-27 |work=NPR |language=en}}

While social justice initiatives and off-field activism have continued, there have not been any major anthem protests since 2020.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-12 |title=National Anthem Protest {{!}} Pros, Cons, Debate, Arguments, Sports, First Amendment, & Civil Rights {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/procon/national-anthem-protest-debate |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}

File:Megan_Rapinoe_USA_vs_Can_Sep17.jpg in 2011]]

File:FC Krasnodar vs Chelsea kneeling against racism 2020-10-31 (cropped).jpg match between FC Krasnodar and Chelsea in October 2020]]

Seattle Reign FC and U.S. women's national soccer team (NWSL) player Megan Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem in a game on September 5, 2016, explaining that her decision was a "nod to Kaepernick and everything that he's standing for right now".{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/05/sport/megan-rapinoe-colin-kaepernick-anthem-kneel/index.html|title=Megan Rapinoe takes knee in solidarity with Kaepernick|last=McKirdy|first=Euan|date=September 5, 2016|publisher=CNN|access-date=September 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906214457/http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/05/sport/megan-rapinoe-colin-kaepernick-anthem-kneel/index.html|archive-date=September 6, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In a subsequent match at the Washington Spirit, Spirit owner Bill Lynch – anticipating Rapinoe's protest – moved the national anthem's performance without warning or notice to occur before the players' appearances on the pitch. Jeff Plush, the league's commissioner, was present at the game and told reporters that he was unaware of Lynch's plans and disagreed with the act of moving the anthem's performance.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/09/07/megan-rapinoe-doesnt-get-chance-to-kneel-for-national-anthem-it-was-played-with-teams-in-locker-room/?tid=a_inl|title=Megan Rapinoe doesn't get chance to kneel for national anthem. It was played with teams in locker room.|date=September 7, 2016|access-date=November 1, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Steven Goff|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104003223/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/09/07/megan-rapinoe-doesnt-get-chance-to-kneel-for-national-anthem-it-was-played-with-teams-in-locker-room/?tid=a_inl|archive-date=November 4, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The Spirit's players issued a joint statement also disagreeing with Lynch's decision to move the anthem without first consulting the team's players or coaches.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/09/09/washington-spirit-players-unhappy-with-owners-anthem-move/|title=Washington Spirit players unhappy with owner's anthem move|author=Steven Goff|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=September 9, 2016|access-date=November 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103235815/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/09/09/washington-spirit-players-unhappy-with-owners-anthem-move/|archive-date=November 3, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

As a member of the U.S. women's national soccer team, Rapinoe also knelt before an international friendly match against Thailand on September 16, despite public statements of disagreement with her protest methods issued before the match by the U.S. Soccer Federation and her coach Jill Ellis.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/09/15/megan-rapinoe-uswnt-thailand-national-anthem-kneels|title=USWNT's Megan Rapinoe kneels for national anthem before Thailand match|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=September 19, 2016|access-date=November 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026221809/http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/09/15/megan-rapinoe-uswnt-thailand-national-anthem-kneels|archive-date=October 26, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} U.S. Soccer proceeded to pass a policy that required all of its players to stand "respectfully" during the national anthem, making it the first American sports league or governing body to do so.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2017/3/6/14825652/united-states-soccer-national-anthem-policy-megan-rapinoe-protest-ban|title=U.S. Soccer banned Megan Rapinoe's national anthem protest without caring to understand it|work=SBNation.com|access-date=2017-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011073441/https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2017/3/6/14825652/united-states-soccer-national-anthem-policy-megan-rapinoe-protest-ban|archive-date=October 11, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Major League Soccer (MLS) released a statement in September 2017 regarding any potential protests. It said "The march of players, officials and children into our stadiums and singing of the anthem has been a pre-match tradition since our first game in 1996. The National Anthem provides our clubs and fans an important and time-honored opportunity to salute our country and stand up for its principles -- whether in the United States or in Canada."{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20848575|title=How national anthem rules differ across sports leagues|date=May 24, 2018|website=ESPN.com|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128082914/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20848575|archive-date=January 28, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} MLS to date, has yet to encounter national anthem protests.

The protest had supporters outside the U.S. as well. In an October 2017 match against Schalke 04, players and staff of German soccer club Hertha Berlin took the knee in solidarity.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/10/14/hertha-berlin-kneel-german-national-anthem-protest|title=Hertha Berlin players take knee during German anthem|last=Rapaport|first=Daniel|date=October 14, 2017|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=May 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527202642/https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/10/14/hertha-berlin-kneel-german-national-anthem-protest|archive-date=May 27, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Hertha Berlin has several American players on their roster.

After the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, French player Marcus Thuram took a knee after scoring for Borussia Mönchengladbach in a Bundesliga match against 1. FC Union Berlin.{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.com/sport/52871279 |title= George Floyd death: Jadon Sancho & Marcus Thuram join protests against racism|work=BBC News|date=May 31, 2020|access-date=June 2, 2020}} The initial reaction of the DFB, the governing body for soccer in Germany, was to announce an investigation into on-field protests. The investigation was rapidly dropped after Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, the world governing body, publicly stated that such protests are worthy of applause not punishment.{{cite news |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/football-black-lives-matter-protests-deserve-applause-says-fifa-president-gianni-infantino_sto7765679/story.shtml |title=Football's Black Lives Matter protests deserve applause, says Infantino |first=Enis |last=Koylu |website=Eurosport |date=June 3, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/bundesliga/2019-2020/football-news-bundesliga-black-lives-matter-protesters-to-face-no-punishment_sto7765699/story.shtml |title=Bundesliga Black Lives Matter protesters to face no punishment |first=Enis |last=Koylu |website=Eurosport |date=June 3, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020}} On June 1, 2020, Liverpool F.C. posted a picture of its first team squad taking a knee on its social media accounts with the caption "Unity is strength #BlackLivesMatter".{{cite news|url= https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/george-floyd-death-liverpool-footballers-knee-200601182131537.html|title= George Floyd death: Liverpool footballers 'take a knee'|work=Al Jazeera|date=June 1, 2020|access-date=June 2, 2020}} The FA, the governing body in England, announced that it would take "a commonsense approach" if Premier League players took a knee in protest at the murder of George Floyd.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jun/02/fa-will-take-common-sense-approach-to-players-taking-a-knee-in-matches |title=FA unlikely to discipline players for taking a knee as Fifa urges leniency |first=Jacob |last=Steinberg |newspaper=The Guardian |date=June 2, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020}} On June 16, 2020, Aston Villa and Sheffield United contested the first English soccer fixture in 100 days, following the COVID-19 lockdown. After the referee blew his whistle for kick-off, all the players and the coaching staffs took the knee.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jun/17/aston-villa-sheffield-united-players-take-knee-premier-league-black-lives-matter |title=Premier League rises to occasion with players taking a knee |first=Paul |last=MacInnes |newspaper=The Guardian |date=June 17, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020}}

The protests inspired a vote of the U.S. Soccer board to repeal the ban on kneeling during the national anthem, and the new president of the federation personally apologized to Megan Rapinoe. The policy is expected to technically remain in force until voted on at the 2021 general meeting of the national council.{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/reign/u-s-soccer-federation-president-apologizes-to-megan-rapinoe-says-anti-kneel-policy-missed-the-point-completely/|title=U.S. Soccer Federation president apologizes to Megan Rapinoe, says anti-kneel policy 'missed the point completely'|date=June 12, 2020|website=The Seattle Times}}[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53003816 George Floyd: US Soccer overturns ban on players kneeling] - includes full statement

In the opening game of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, all 22 starters from the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage knelt during the national anthem.[https://equalizersoccer.com/2020/06/27/nwsl-players-kneel-national-anthem-black-lives-matter-movement-challenge-cup/ NWSL players kneel during anthem in solidarity with Black Lives Matter movement] The Equalizer. Retrieved July 25, 2020. A moment of silence was held prior to the opening game and players and staff wore Black Lives Matter shirts. Similar protests have continued throughout the Challenge Cup, with all players wearing Black Lives Matter shirts and many players kneeling.

During the UEFA Euro 2020 many national teams have agreed to take the knee before kickoff; UEFA has supported the display.{{Cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/2021/06/11/europe-divided-on-taking-the-knee-during-euro-2020-football-tournament|title = Europe divided on taking the knee during EURO 2020 football tournament|date = June 11, 2021}}

In February of 2021, members of the Bluefield College men’s basketball team were suspended for one game after kneeling during the national anthem.{{Cite news |last=Hale |first=David |date=February 12, 2021 |title=Bluefield College basketball players to stay in locker room during anthem to avoid having 'season taken away from us' |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/30889715/bluefield-college-players-stay-locker-room-anthem-avoid-having-season-taken-away-us}}

On September 7, 2016, three volleyball players from West Virginia Tech knelt during the national anthem.{{cite web|last1=Gunderson|first1=Kalea|title=West Virginia Tech volleyball players kneel during national anthem|url=http://wchstv.com/news/local/west-virginia-tech-volleyball-players-kneel-during-national-anthem|date=September 7, 2016|publisher=ABC|access-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921150727/http://wchstv.com/news/local/west-virginia-tech-volleyball-players-kneel-during-national-anthem|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

On October 1, at East Carolina University, about 19 members of the band knelt, while about another two held the American flag during the national anthem at the beginning of the football game against the University of Central Florida.{{cite web |url=http://www.witn.com/content/news/395523401.html |title=ECU chancellor, Gov. McCrory speak out about band members kneeling |publisher=WITN-TV |access-date=November 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031084445/http://www.witn.com/content/news/395523401.html |archive-date=October 31, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} There have been almost no such incidents involving college football players, for the simple reason that college players and coaches are typically in the locker room when the anthem is played. There has been at least one exception to the rule, however. During a September 2016 away game at Northwestern, where players are traditionally on the field during the anthem, three Nebraska players knelt on the sideline.{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/9/26/16354940/protests-college-football-nfl-national-anthem|title=Why protests aren't as common in college football|last=Kirshner|first=Alex|date=September 28, 2017|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008231719/https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/9/26/16354940/protests-college-football-nfl-national-anthem|archive-date=October 8, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/prior-to-game-rose-ivey-told-team-of-his-decision/article_781e987e-82b0-11e6-93cc-53559523f8fe.html|title=Prior to game, Rose-Ivey told team of his decision to kneel for anthem|last=Christopherson|first=Brian|work=Lincoln Journal Star|date=September 24, 2016 |access-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008231552/http://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/prior-to-game-rose-ivey-told-team-of-his-decision/article_781e987e-82b0-11e6-93cc-53559523f8fe.html|archive-date=October 8, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The NCAA football rulebook does not address the issue of pregame ceremonies (patriotic or otherwise) at all, except to say that team captains must be present for a coin toss three minutes before the first-half kickoff.

College of the Ozarks president Jerry Davis announced in September 2017 that his college's teams would refuse to play any team whose players knelt during the anthem.{{cite web|url=http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/education/2017/09/29/no-pledge-no-play-policy-college-ozarks-student-athletes/717937001/|title=If you kneel, the game is over, C of O tells opposing teams|last=Riley|first=Claudette|date=September 29, 2017|work=Springfield News-Leader|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106010320/http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/education/2017/09/29/no-pledge-no-play-policy-college-ozarks-student-athletes/717937001/|archive-date=January 6, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In response, the NAIA chose to move its Division II men's basketball champion game away from College of the Ozarks' Keeter Gymnasium (where the championship game had been held since 2000) to Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.{{cite web|url=http://www.news-leader.com/story/sports/college/2017/10/27/anthem-protest-policy-moves-naia-basketball-tournament-away-college-ozarks/807857001/|title=Anthem protest policy moves NAIA basketball tournament away from College of the Ozarks|date=October 27, 2017|work=Springfield News-Leader}}

On February 23, 2019, eight players of the Ole Miss men's basketball team took a knee during the national anthem at their home-game against Georgia. The players took a knee to protest the pro-confederate rally that was happening on campus at the time.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/23/sports/ole-miss-anthem-protest-kneel.html|title=Ole Miss Players Kneel in Response to Pro-Confederate Rally|agency=Associated Press|date=2019-02-23|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-03-07|issn=0362-4331}} The players previously stood during the national anthem, with this being the first time they took the knee. The athletes were upset by a video posted online by the rally organizers a few days prior.{{cn|date=February 2024}} The protest reached national attention and received negative backlash. However, the athletes received public support from University officials.{{cn|date=February 2024}}

On September 24, 2016, Michigan football players Jordan Lewis and Khalid Hill raised their right arms in the air in support of the Anthem Protests.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17626402/college-football-players-protest-anthem|title=Michigan, Michigan State players raise fists during national anthem|date=2016-09-24|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2019-12-13}}

On September 2, 2016, a football player at Brunswick High School in Ohio knelt during the national anthem after he heard his teammates saying "nigger".{{cite web|last1=Gibbs|first1=Lindsay|title=Tracking the Kaepernick Effect: The anthem protests are spreading|url=https://thinkprogress.org/national-anthem-sports-protest-tracker-kaepernick-284ff1d1ab3e#.c5u4c1quw|publisher=think progress|access-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103035700/https://thinkprogress.org/national-anthem-sports-protest-tracker-kaepernick-284ff1d1ab3e#.c5u4c1quw|archive-date=January 3, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} After his protest, the player received racial threats.{{cite web|last1=Freeman|first1=Kevin|title=First home game for Brunswick High School since player said he received racial threats|date=September 17, 2016|url=http://fox8.com/2016/09/16/first-home-game-for-brunswick-high-school-since-player-said-he-received-racial-threats/|publisher=Fox|access-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919062749/http://fox8.com/2016/09/16/first-home-game-for-brunswick-high-school-since-player-said-he-received-racial-threats/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} On September 9, high school players across the country knelt during the national anthem. On September 23, four players from Withrow High School, three black and one white, in Cincinnati knelt during the national anthem before their football game.

In September 2017, Principal Waylon Bates of Parkway High School in Louisiana referred to the national anthem protests as a "disruption" and threatened to kick any player out of the football team if he knelt during the national anthem.{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/28/louisiana-high-school-will-kick-students-off-team-if-they-dont-stand-for-national-anthem/|title=Louisiana high school will kick students off team if they don't stand for national anthem|first=Jacob|last=Bogage|date=September 28, 2017|access-date=October 4, 2017|via=www.washingtonpost.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003180303/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/28/louisiana-high-school-will-kick-students-off-team-if-they-dont-stand-for-national-anthem/|archive-date=October 3, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Two black students on the Victory & Praise Christian Academy football team protested during the anthem. Immediately after the anthem concluded, their coach removed them from the team, having them take off their uniforms on the sidelines.{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/sports/highschool/article/High-school-football-kicked-off-team-anthem-kneel-12242713.php|title=Local high school football players kicked off team after protest during anthem|website=sfgate.com|date=September 30, 2017|access-date=October 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004112646/http://www.sfgate.com/sports/highschool/article/High-school-football-kicked-off-team-anthem-kneel-12242713.php|archive-date=October 4, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

In December 2017, Ninth Circuit Court for the Southern District of California ruled in favor of high school players, and stated that no high school football player can be forced to stand during the national anthem or cannot be forced out of the team by refusing to do so.{{Cite journal|last1=Stratmoen|first1=Evelyn|last2=Lawless|first2=Tiffany J.|last3=Saucier|first3=Donald A.|date=January 2019|title=Taking a knee: Perceptions of NFL player protests during the National Anthem|journal=Personality and Individual Differences|volume=137|pages=204–213|doi=10.1016/j.paid.2018.09.009|s2cid=149668091|issn=0191-8869}} The basis for such ruling is that "loss of First Amendment freedoms unquestionably constitutes irreparable harm and that the mandate issued by the district superintendent is a violation of the athlete's First Amendment rights."

In October 2018, the 32 players of the Christian Capital Academy football team as well as the coaching staff decided to take a knee during the national anthem. When asked about their reasons, the team collectively responded that they took a knee as a way to protest for the excessive use of police brutality against minorities, especially against African Americans.{{Cite journal |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.31096/wua033-pls90b070 |website=Willamette University Archives |title=High School Football team |doi=10.31096/wua033-pls90b070}} The two players did not receive any punishment for their protest.{{Cite journal|date=January 2017|title=Student-athlete wasn't defamed by being kicked off team|journal=College Athletics and the Law|volume=13|issue=10|pages=10–11|doi=10.1002/catl.30300|issn=1552-8774}}

On September 23, 2017, Bruce Maxwell of the Oakland Athletics knelt during the national anthem, becoming the first MLB player to join the protest. His team backed him up by saying, "The Oakland A's pride ourselves on being inclusive. We respect and support all of our players' constitutional rights and freedom of expression."{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/A-s-Bruce-Maxwell-first-MLB-player-to-kneel-for-12223798.php|title=A's Bruce Maxwell first MLB player to kneel for anthem|newspaper=Sfgate |date=September 24, 2017|access-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924023030/http://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/A-s-Bruce-Maxwell-first-MLB-player-to-kneel-for-12223798.php|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all |last1=Slusser |first1=By Susan }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-baseball-first-take-national-anthem_us_59c7051ae4b01cc57ff2a61e|title=MLB's First Player Just Took A Knee During The National Anthem|last=Madani|first=Doha|date=September 24, 2017|work=HuffPost|access-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926184529/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-baseball-first-take-national-anthem_us_59c7051ae4b01cc57ff2a61e|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Maxwell received a standing ovation from A's fans before his first at-bat following his protest.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2017/9/25/16364924/bruce-maxwell-standing-ovation-protest-fans-oakland|title=In his first at-bat after taking a knee, Bruce Maxwell got a standing ovation from fans|work=SBNation.com|access-date=September 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927052806/https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2017/9/25/16364924/bruce-maxwell-standing-ovation-protest-fans-oakland|archive-date=September 27, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

On July 21, 2020, San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler took a knee over anger of how the United States is handling police brutality. Right Fielder Jaylin Davis joined as well.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gabe-kapler-san-francisco-giants-kneel-national-anthem/|title=Giants Manager Gabe Kapler and others kneel during national anthem|website=www.cbsnews.com|date=July 21, 2020 }} Los Angeles Angels reliever Keynan Middleton knelt and raised his right fist during the national anthem on the same day.

The following day, Cincinnati Reds players Phillip Ervin, Joey Votto, Amir Garrett and Alex Blandino all knelt.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29512178/joey-votto-reds-players-kneel-national-anthem|title=Joey Votto among Reds players to kneel during national anthem|date=July 21, 2020|website=ESPN.com}} The Giants also continued their protest with Pablo Sandoval, Hunter Pence and several others joining in.{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/pablo-sandoval-hunter-pence-join-015437812.html|title=Pablo Sandoval, Hunter Pence join Giants kneeling during national anthem|website=sports.yahoo.com|access-date=July 22, 2020|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011436/https://sports.yahoo.com/pablo-sandoval-hunter-pence-join-015437812.html|url-status=dead}}

Prior to each game on opening day, players knelt in unison while holding a black rope.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/6918b4b7a74d9508f06bfe74051935a1|title=MLB teams kneel to back Black Lives Matter; Fauci's toss off|date=July 24, 2020|website=AP News}} Patches reading "United for Change" and Black Lives Matter are also on the sleeves of every player's baseball uniform.{{Cite web|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2020/07/24/detroit-tigers-cincinnati-reds-kneel-during-national-anthem/5502231002/|title=Detroit Tigers unified in Black Lives Matter movement, kneeling together before opener|first=Jeff|last=Seidel|website=Detroit Free Press}}

The New York Yankees and Washington Nationals both knelt during pregame demonstrations before standing during the anthem.{{Cite web |last=Lacques |first=Gabe |title='The first step': Yankees, Nationals players all kneel before national anthem in MLB opener |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2020/07/23/mlb-opening-day-yankees-nationals-players-kneel-before-national-anthem/5498230002/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}

Mookie Betts was the lone member of the Los Angeles Dodgers to protest. Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger stood next to Betts with their hands on his shoulders.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/mookie-betts-kneels-national-anthem-dodgers/fwss5e2q1din1g6ckceuoscs1|title=Mookie Betts kneels on his own for national anthem before Dodgers debut|website=www.sportingnews.com|date=August 12, 2021 }} The same members of the San Francisco Giants that knelt during the preseason continued their protest.

Of the Giants, pitcher Sam Coonrod was the lone player that didn't kneel during pregame demonstrations. His reasoning was because of his faith and that he only feels that he can kneel for God. He also believes that the Black Lives Matter movement has Marxist roots and is against the nuclear family.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2020/07/24/sam-coonrod-sf-giants-kneel-blm-mlb-moment-of-unity/|title=SF Giants' Sam Coonrod Refuses To Kneel For MLB's BLM Moment, 'I'm A Christian'|website=TMZ|date=July 24, 2020 }}

Players on both the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets wore shirts reading Black Lives Matter and "Love Your Neighbor" during pregame warmups. All players took part in pregame demonstrations before standing for the anthem.{{Cite web|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/mets/2020/07/24/black-lives-matter-ny-mets-atlanta-braves-wear-shirts-before-game/5499723002/|title=Group of NY Mets, Braves players wear 'Black Lives Matter' shirts before Opening Day game|first=Justin|last=Toscano|website=North Jersey Media Group}}

Niko Goodrum, Cameron Maybin, Jeimer Candelario, Joe Jiménez and Dave Clark of the Detroit Tigers knelt during the national anthem prior to their game against the Cincinnati Reds. On the other side, Amir Garrett and Phillip Ervin continued to kneel. Garrett and Ervin are the only two African-American players on the Reds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/cincinnati-reds-players-amir-garrett-phillip-ervin-kneel-during-national-anthem/ar-BB179LDx|title=Cincinnati Reds players Amir Garrett, Phillip Ervin kneel during national anthem|website=www.msn.com}}

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, Anthony Alford and Santiago Espinal of the Toronto Blue Jays knelt during the anthem prior to their game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Biggio explained that he did it to help other kneeling players who were afraid to do so. Ozzie Timmons and Rodney Linares of the Tampa Bay Rays both knelt as well.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2020/07/24/rays-coaches-ozzie-timmons-rodney-linares-kneel-during-anthem/|title=Rays coaches Ozzie Timmons, Rodney Linares kneel during anthem|website=Tampa Bay Times}} The Rays Twitter account had called for the arrest of the police officers involved in the shooting of Breonna Taylor prior to the first game.{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/mlb-team-says-great-day-193800761.html|title=MLB team says its a "great day to arrest the killers of Breonna Taylor"|website=news.yahoo.com|date=July 24, 2020 }}

Miami Marlins players wore Black Lives Matter shirts during warmups before their game against the Philadelphia Phillies.{{cite tweet |author=Miami Marlins |user=Marlins |number=1286787253910540288 |date=July 24, 2020 |title=Unequivocally. #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/Bboaowdou3 |language=en |access-date=January 2, 2021}} Both teams stood during both the pregame demonstration and national anthem.{{cite tweet |author=Philadelphia Phillies |user=Phillies |number=1286810402786074624 |date=July 24, 2020 |title=Unity https://t.co/P522eh6CGl |language=en |access-date=January 2, 2021}}

Prior to their game against the Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals players wore Black Lives Matter shirts. During the national anthem, both teams stood with Indians players placing their left arms over each other's shoulders.{{cite tweet |last=Graham |first=Sophia |user=SophiaGrahamUSA |number=1286463957058949120 |date=July 23, 2020 |title=Cleveland Indians stood for the national anthem. Right hand over their hearts and left hand on their teammates shoulders. God bless the Cleveland Indians ✝️✝️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 https://t.co/c6I0aFWKsc |language=en |access-date=January 2, 2021}}

The Baltimore Orioles all walked onto the field wearing Black Lives Matter shirts. All of the Orioles stood while linking arms. On the other side, several members of the Boston Red Sox including Jackie Bradley Jr. and Alex Verdugo knelt.{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/orioles-red-sox-knee-national-233650397.html|title=Orioles, Red Sox take knee before national anthem at Fenway Park|website=sports.yahoo.com|access-date=July 25, 2020|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011936/https://sports.yahoo.com/orioles-red-sox-knee-national-233650397.html|url-status=dead}}

Matt Kemp was the only member of the Colorado Rockies to kneel during the national anthem before their game against the Texas Rangers.{{Cite web|url=https://gazette.com/sports/outfielder-matt-kemp-only-rockies-player-to-kneel-during-national-anthem-in-opener/article_b5c102ec-ce0c-11ea-8519-1f42f81781a2.html|title=Outfielder Matt Kemp only Rockies player to kneel during national anthem in opener|first=BRENT BRIGGEMAN|last=brent.briggeman@gazette.com|website=Colorado Springs Gazette|date=July 24, 2020 }}

The Minnesota Twins plan to play both the Star-Spangled Banner and Lift Every Voice and Sing before their home games as well as a moment of silence at 8:46 pm during their home opener.{{Cite web|url=https://kstp.com/minnesota-sports/twins-to-honor-health-care-workers-george-floyd-covid-victims-at-home-opener/5803730/|title=Twins to honor health care workers, George Floyd, COVID victims at home opener|date=July 23, 2020|website=KSTP}} Several Twins members knelt during the anthem before their game against the Chicago White Sox.{{Cite web|url=https://www.twincities.com/2020/07/24/members-of-the-twins-take-a-knee-to-protest-racial-inequality/|title=Members of the Twins take a knee to protest racial inequality|date=July 25, 2020}}

Six members of the Chicago White Sox knelt during the anthem.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20200724/renteria-white-sox-players-show-blm-support|title=Renteria, White Sox players show BLM support|first=Scot|last=Gregor|date=July 24, 2020|website=Daily Herald}}

Jarrod Dyson was the sole Pittsburgh Pirates player to kneel.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wpxi.com/sports/mlb/pittsburgh-pirates/pirates-cf-jarrod-dyson-takes-knee-during-national-anthem-opening-day/2BMCF5TMFZDYVKY3YYS54ICJIM/|title=Pirates CF Jarrod Dyson takes knee during national anthem on opening day|first=Alex |last=Stumpf |website=WPXI|date=July 25, 2020}}

Tony Kemp and Khris Davis of the Oakland Athletics raised their right fists in the air but did not kneel.{{Cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/six-white-sox-players-including-tim-anderson-and-lucas-giolito-kneel-during-national-anthem-011501211.html|title=A's outfielders Khris Davis and Tony Kemp raise fists in support of Black Lives Matter|website=sports.yahoo.com}}

Justin Upton, Brian Goodwin, Andrelton Simmons, Keynan Middleton and Noe Ramirez knelt during the anthem before playing the Oakland Athletics. Middleton also raised his fist while kneeling.

Seattle Mariners players Kyle Lewis, J. P. Crawford, Shed Long, Mallex Smith, Dee Gordon, and Justus Sheffield raised their right fists.

On July 25, 2020, New York Yankees players Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Hicks both knelt during the anthem becoming the first Yankees players to do so. DJ LeMahieu tapped both players on the shoulder following the conclusion of the anthem in a show of solidarity.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2020/07/25/giancarlo-stanton-aaron-hicks-yankees-kneel-national-anthem/5512427002/|title='We're still in this fight': Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks kneel during national anthem|first=Gabe|last=Lacques|website=USA TODAY}}

On September 24, 2017, prior to Game 1 of the 2017 WNBA Finals, players from the Los Angeles Sparks chose to stay in the locker room during the national anthem, while members of the Minnesota Lynx locked arms on the court.{{Cite news|url=http://deadspin.com/los-angeles-sparks-leave-court-before-national-anthem-i-1818709276|title=Los Angeles Sparks Leave Court Before National Anthem in Game 1 of WNBA Finals|last=Theisen|first=Lauren|date=September 24, 2017|work=Deadspin|access-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925012416/http://deadspin.com/los-angeles-sparks-leave-court-before-national-anthem-i-1818709276|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Both the New York Liberty and Seattle Storm walked off the court during the Star-Spangled Banner during the 2020 season opener.{{Cite web|url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/06/every-nfl-player-who-will-kneel-during-national-anthem|title=Every NFL player who has said they'll kneel during the national anthem|date=June 17, 2020}}

Players on the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers planned to kneel during the anthem when the 2020 NBA Season resumed, despite the NBA not allowing it.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/adam-silver-responds-to-nba-players-kneeling-during-anthem-before-first-game-in-disney-bubble/|title=Adam Silver responds to NBA players kneeling during anthem before first game in Disney bubble|website=cbssports|date=July 31, 2020 }}

The NBA has a policy in their CBA that requires players to stand up during the national anthem, however many prominent players have expressed support for the NFL protests on social media or in interviews.{{cite news|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2018/06/04/why-don-players-have-problem-with-nba-national-anthem-policy/RDqhgKaScJL2DPLLSuWiVM/story.html|title=Why don't players have a problem with the NBA's national anthem policy?|newspaper=The Boston Globe|first=Gary|last=Washburn|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828071305/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2018/06/04/why-don-players-have-problem-with-nba-national-anthem-policy/RDqhgKaScJL2DPLLSuWiVM/story.html|archive-date=August 28, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} However, in the wake of the George Floyd protests, NBA commissioner Adam Silver reversed his stance, stating that he respects "teams' unified act of peaceful protest for social justice and under these unique circumstances will not enforce [the] long-standing rule requiring standing during the playing of our national anthem."{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/adam-silver-responds-to-nba-players-kneeling-during-anthem-before-first-game-in-disney-bubble/|title=Adam Silver responds to NBA players kneeling during anthem before first game in Disney bubble|website=CBSSports.com|date=July 31, 2020 }}

Upon the resumption of the 2019–2020 season in the NBA Bubble, the entire ensemble of players, coaches, and referees in the first game knelt for an instrumental version of the National Anthem, which featured elements of rap music, pre-recorded by Jon Batiste. This marked the first time that all players, coaches, and referees knelt for an event in one of the Big Four leagues in the US.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/30/us/pelicans-jazz-blm-tribute-nba-spt-trnd/index.html|title=NBA players took a knee before kicking off the league's reopened season|author=Leah Asmelash and Jill Martin|website=CNN|date=July 30, 2020 }} As games continue to be played, players, coaches, and referees continue to kneel.

Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic has been one of the only NBA players to stand during the anthem, citing his faith as the reason why he did not kneel. San Antonio Spurs coaches Gregg Popovich, an "outspoken supporter of Black Lives Matter", and Becky Hammon also chose to stand for their own reasons.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/magics-jonathan-isaac-explains-why-he-didnt-take-knee-or-wear-black-lives-matter-shirt-friday/|title=Magic's Jonathan Isaac explains why he didn't take knee or wear Black Lives Matter shirt Friday|website=CBSSports.com|date=August 2020 }}{{Cite web|url=https://orlandomagicdaily.com/2020/08/01/jonathan-isaac-chose-stand-reasons-belong/|title=Jonathan Isaac chose to stand, his reasons belong to him|date=August 1, 2020}}

Miami Heat player Meyers Leonard also chose to stand with his hand over his heart. His reasoning came down to his support for the military.{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/heats-meyers-leonard-stands-for-anthem-with-teammates-support-174924459.html|title=Heat's Meyers Leonard stands for anthem with teammates' support|website=sports.yahoo.com|date=August 2020 }}

On February 10, 2021, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban announced that he would not play the national anthem at home games stating that it was "too divisive". The NBA later stepped in and forced him to retract his statement, reinforcing their policy that all teams are required to play the national anthem in the future. The same day, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers affirmed that they would play the national anthem regardless of any backlash they would receive.

On October 7, 2017, J. T. Brown of the Tampa Bay Lightning raised his fist while standing on the bench during the national anthem. He had also done the same in a preseason game, in an attempt to "bring awareness to police brutality against minorities and racial inequality".{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightnings-jt-brown-raises-fist-in-protest-during-anthem-before-panthers/2340305/|title=Lightning's J.T. Brown raises fist in protest during anthem before Panthers game|last=Smith|first=Joe|date=October 7, 2017|work=tampabay.com|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008080405/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightnings-jt-brown-raises-fist-in-protest-during-anthem-before-panthers/2340305|archive-date=October 8, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} He stated that he had "received death threats" after the protest.{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1393535-lightning-s-brown-i-have-received-death-threats-after-protest|title=Lightning's Brown: 'I have received death threats' after protest|last=Livingstone|first=Flip|date=October 8, 2017|work=TheScore.com|publisher=Score Media Ventures Inc.|access-date=October 8, 2017}}

The Boston Bruins planned on linking arms during the playing of both the American and Canadian national anthems when the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs began.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/sports/bruins-say-theyll-lock-arms-for-the-national-anthem-as-a-sign-of-solidarity-with-the-black-community/97-67c868cb-c492-4df6-9154-67cec3040897|title=Bruins say they'll lock arms for the national anthem 'as a sign of solidarity with the Black community'|website=newscentermaine.com|date=July 28, 2020}}

Minnesota Wild player Matt Dumba became the first NHL employee to kneel during the Star-Spangled Banner. He eventually stood during the playing of O{{nbs}}Canada.{{Cite web|url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/08/matt-dumba-first-nhl-player-to-take-a-knee-during-national-anthem|title=Matt Dumba becomes the first NHL player to take a knee during the national anthem|date=August 1, 2020}} Dumba regrets not kneeling for both anthems and plans to raise his fist instead of kneel for the rest of the playoffs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/matt-dumba-opens-speech-regrets-not-kneeling-anthems/|title=Matt Dumba opens up about speech, why he regrets not kneeling for both anthems - Sportsnet.ca|website=www.sportsnet.ca}}

On August 3, 2020, Ryan Reaves and Robin Lehner of the Vegas Golden Knights and Tyler Seguin and Jason Dickinson of the Dallas Stars knelt during both the American and Canadian national anthems.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/golden-knights-stars-players-kneel-during-anthems/c-317842136|title=Golden Knights, Stars players kneel during anthems at Qualifiers|website=NHL.com}}

At the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, team fencing gold medalist Race Imboden knelt and women's hammer throw champion Gwen Berry raised a fist on the awards stand during the American national anthem.{{cite news|last=Taylor|first=Derrick Bryson|title=U.S. Fencer, Race Imboden, Takes a Knee at Pan-American Games|date=August 11, 2019|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/11/sports/race-imboden-fencer-kneels.html|access-date=August 11, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/ct-race-imboden-gwen-berry-athlete-protest-20190811-gceardedn5fyjclxim5b7qexta-story.html|title=Race Imboden kneels and Gwen Berry raises her fist: Americans protest on the medals stand at the Pan Am Games|first=Luis Andres|last=Henao|website=chicagotribune.com|date=August 11, 2019 }}

{{blockquote|Racism, gun control, mistreatment of immigrants, and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list. I chose to sacrifice my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change.|Race Imboden}}

{{blockquote|It's too important to not say something. Something has to be said. If nothing is said, nothing will be done, and nothing will be fixed, and nothing will be changed.|Gwen Berry}}

A Clemson University research paper found that Russian bots played a role in amplifying the outrage over kneeling during the national anthem. Some 12,000 tweets linked to 491 accounts linked to Russia's Internet Research Agency were sent from the end of 2014 to mid-2018; those tweets peaked on September 22, 2017, after President Donald Trump's speech in Huntsville, Alabama.Gardner, Steve (October 22, 2018). [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/10/22/russian-bots-twitter-trolls-nfl-national-anthem-controversy/1732873002/ "Report: Russian Twitter trolls helped fan flames of NFL's national anthem controversy"]. USAToday NFL. Retrieved November 17, 2019.Andrew Beaton, [https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-russian-trolls-inflamed-nfls-anthem-controversy-1540233979 How Russian Trolls Inflamed the NFL's Anthem Controversy], Wall Street Journal (October 22, 2018).

U.S. Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma said Russian internet trolls, seeking to polarize Americans, helped fuel online discord.{{cite web|author=Devlin Barrett|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/lawmaker-russian-trolls-trying-to-sow-discord-in-nfl-kneeling-debate/2017/09/27/5f46dce0-a3b0-11e7-ade1-76d061d56efa_story.html|title=Lawmaker: Russian trolls trying to sow discord in NFL kneeling debate|work=washingtonpost.com|date=September 27, 2017|access-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128103832/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/lawmaker-russian-trolls-trying-to-sow-discord-in-nfl-kneeling-debate/2017/09/27/5f46dce0-a3b0-11e7-ade1-76d061d56efa_story.html|archive-date=November 28, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/russian-trolls-using-nfl-protests-sow-discord-online-republican-senator-n805296|title=Russian trolls using NFL protests to sow discord online, GOP senator says|website=NBC News|date=September 27, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205035419/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/russian-trolls-using-nfl-protests-sow-discord-online-republican-senator-n805296|archive-date=December 5, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/russian-internet-trolls-calling-takeaknee-boycottnf-sow-discord/story?id=50132807|title=Russian internet trolls pushed national anthem controversy, #TakeAKnee: Senator|date=September 27, 2017|publisher=ABC News|access-date=May 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526041155/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/russian-internet-trolls-calling-takeaknee-boycottnf-sow-discord/story?id=50132807|archive-date=May 26, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} During a Senate hearing, Lankford said: "We watched, even this weekend, the Russians and their troll farms, their internet folks, start hashtagging out #TakeAKnee and also hashtagging out #BoycottNFL. They were taking both sides of the argument this weekend ... to try to raise the noise level of America and make a big issue seem like an even bigger issue as they are trying to push divisiveness in this country."Phillip Ewing, [https://www.npr.org/2017/09/28/554024047/as-scrutiny-of-social-networks-grows-influence-attacks-continue-in-real-time As Scrutiny Of Social Networks Grows, Influence Attacks Continue In Real Time], NPR (September 28, 2017).

File:Mike Pence NFL Protests 2017.jpg

In September 2016, President Barack Obama stated that Kaepernick was "exercising his constitutional right" to protest. He went on: "I don't doubt his sincerity. I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about. If nothing else, he's generated more conversation about issues that have to be talked about."{{cite web|last1= Hjelmgaard|first1= Kim|title= 24095 924 494 Obama defends Kaepernick's national anthem protest|url= https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/09/05/obama-defends-kaepernicks-national-anthem-protest/89879478/|work=USA Today|access-date= September 20, 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160923102513/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/09/05/obama-defends-kaepernicks-national-anthem-protest/89879478/|archive-date= September 23, 2016|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg criticized the protest as "dumb and disrespectful", stating that athletes have the right to protest "if they want to be stupid". The Supreme Court later issued a statement from Ginsburg stating that her comments were "inappropriately dismissive and harsh. I should have declined to respond."{{cite web|title= Ruth Bader Ginsburg apologizes for criticizing anthem protests|date= October 14, 2016|url= http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17795159/ruth-bader-ginsburg-apologizes-criticizing-colin-kaepernick-anthem-protest|publisher= ESPN|access-date= October 14, 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161015193145/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17795159/ruth-bader-ginsburg-apologizes-criticizing-colin-kaepernick-anthem-protest|archive-date= October 15, 2016|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}

On September 25, 2017, U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee knelt on the floor of the House of Representatives.{{cite news |last= Chason |first= Rachel |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/09/26/that-is-racism-black-lawmaker-condemns-trump-kneels-in-congress-to-honor-nfl-players/ |title= 'That is racism': Black lawmaker condemns Trump, kneels in Congress to honor NFL players |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date= September 28, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170927001132/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/09/26/that-is-racism-black-lawmaker-condemns-trump-kneels-in-congress-to-honor-nfl-players/ |archive-date= September 27, 2017 |url-status= live |df= mdy-all }} Fellow congressman Mark Pocan knelt on the floor of the House the next day.{{cite web |url= https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/352448-another-democrat-takes-a-knee-on-house-floor-to-support-nfl-protests/ |title= Another Democrat takes a knee on House floor to support NFL protests |date= September 26, 2017 |work=The Hill |access-date= September 28, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170928014606/http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/352448-another-democrat-takes-a-knee-on-house-floor-to-support-nfl-protests |archive-date= September 28, 2017 |url-status= live |df= mdy-all }}

On September 26, 2017, Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser told The Times-Picayune that he would not be attending the New Orleans Saints game against the Miami Dolphins, which was going to be taking place in London. Although he was going to be in London during the time of the game, he told the newspaper that he would not attend because he was "disappointed in the NFL". He added that "it is disgraceful that anybody would use that as a time to protest".{{cite web |last1= Seraaj |first1= Intisar |last2= Zdanowicz |first2= Christina |title= From Jersey burnings to players being uninvited, backlash to the #TakeAKnee protest grows |url= https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/25/us/anthem-protests-burning-nfl-jerseys-trnd/index.html |website=CNN|date= September 25, 2017 |access-date= 28 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180928201044/https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/25/us/anthem-protests-burning-nfl-jerseys-trnd/index.html |archive-date= September 28, 2018 |url-status= live |df=mdy-all }}

On October 8, 2017, Vice President Mike Pence left a game between the NFL's Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers, members of which had knelt during the anthem, "because President Trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our flag, or our national anthem".{{cite web|url= https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/10/08/556531518/vp-pence-takes-a-stand-and-walks-away-after-nfl-players-kneel|title= Trump Defends Pence's NFL Protest Amid Claims It Was A Publicity Stunt|last= Romo|first= Vanessa|publisher=NPR|date= October 8, 2017|access-date= October 8, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171008230746/http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/10/08/556531518/vp-pence-takes-a-stand-and-walks-away-after-nfl-players-kneel|archive-date= October 8, 2017|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}

Oklahoma state representative Sean Roberts warned the Oklahoma City Thunder that if they kneel, he will reexamine their tax benefits.{{Cite web|url= https://kfor.com/news/local/state-rep-warns-okc-thunder-players-against-kneeling-during-national-anthem-threatens-thunder-tax-benefits/|title= State rep warns OKC Thunder players against kneeling during National Anthem, threatens Thunder tax benefits|date= July 31, 2020|access-date= August 1, 2020|archive-date= May 6, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210506214452/https://kfor.com/news/local/state-rep-warns-okc-thunder-players-against-kneeling-during-national-anthem-threatens-thunder-tax-benefits/|url-status= dead}}

"Taking a knee" became a wider social phenomenon beyond the sports field and outside of the United States, especially in the wake of actions related to the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. Notably, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, took a knee in this context in June 2020.

{{cite news

| last1 = Tasker

| first1 = John Paul

| title = Trudeau takes a knee at anti-racism protest on Parliament Hill

| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-anti-racism-parliament-hill-1.5600803

| work = CBC News

| publisher = Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

| publication-date = 5 June 2020

| access-date = 1 November 2020

| quote = Trudeau joined the large crowd in kneeling for eight minutes and 46 seconds — which is how long a Minneapolis police officer held down George Floyd with his knee on his neck before he died.

}}

Major sports sponsors Nike, Under Armour, and Ford all issued statements in support of athletes' freedom of expression after Trump's comments regarding the NFL. Nike's statement read, "Nike supports athletes and their right to freedom of expression on issues that are of great importance to our society."{{Cite news|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nike-becomes-first-nfl-sponsor-take-side-trump-vs-nfl-193639102.html|title=Nike, an NFL sponsor, takes clear side in Trump vs NFL|access-date=2017-09-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929000415/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nike-becomes-first-nfl-sponsor-take-side-trump-vs-nfl-193639102.html|archive-date=September 29, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Nike's ad featuring Kaepernick read "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/09/07/sport/colin-kaepernick-protest-taking-the-knee-nate-boyer-spt-intl/index.html|title=Colin Kaepernick: A cultural star fast turning into a global icon|first=Aimee |last=Lewis|website=CNN|date=September 7, 2018 |access-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117040007/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/09/07/sport/colin-kaepernick-protest-taking-the-knee-nate-boyer-spt-intl/index.html|archive-date=January 17, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In September 2016, after Brandon Marshall knelt during the national anthem, Century Link and Air Academy Federal Credit Union dropped him as a paid sponsor.{{cite web|last1=Crabtree|first1=Curtis|title=Brandon Marshall picks up new endorsement after losing two following anthem kneel|date=September 15, 2016|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/09/15/brandon-marshall-picks-up-new-endorsement-after-losing-two-following-anthem-kneel/|publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919144007/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/09/15/brandon-marshall-picks-up-new-endorsement-after-losing-two-following-anthem-kneel/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Radio station WFAY dropped a broadcast of an East Carolina University football game on the station after the marching band took part in the protest, calling it an insult to the U.S. Armed Forces.Martin, Nick (October 6, 2016). [http://deadspin.com/local-espn-radio-station-to-drop-ecu-game-after-band-pr-1787404764 Local ESPN Radio Station To Drop ECU Game After Band Protest] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007121144/http://deadspin.com/local-espn-radio-station-to-drop-ecu-game-after-band-pr-1787404764 |date=October 7, 2016 }}. Deadspin. Retrieved October 6, 2016. John Schnatter of sponsor Papa John's Pizza blamed the protests for a drop in sales and a 24% fall in stock during 2017, saying that the "controversy is polarizing the customer, polarizing the country".{{Cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/11/01/media/nfl-papa-johns-protests/index.html|title=Papa John's says NFL protests are hurting sales|last=Meyersohn|first=Nathaniel|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=November 2, 2017|work=CNN Money|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101230132/http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/01/media/nfl-papa-johns-protests/index.html|archive-date=November 1, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Later that day, the company announced that the NFL shield or "official sponsor" designation on Papa John's commercials and advertising would be removed.{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21250448/nfl-sponsor-papa-john-not-happy-anthem-protests|title=Papa John's says anthem protests are hurting deal with NFL|first=Darren|last=Rovell|work=ESPN.com|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=November 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102011930/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21250448/nfl-sponsor-papa-john-not-happy-anthem-protests|archive-date=November 2, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In December 2017 Sanderson Farms CEO questioned whether the NFL protests were to blame for falling chicken wing prices.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-14/nfl-player-protests-hurting-chicken-wing-sales-producer-says|title=Chicken Wing Company Says NFL Player Protests Are Hurting Sales|first=Megan|last=Durisin|work=Bloomberg.com|date=December 15, 2017|access-date=January 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111132819/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-14/nfl-player-protests-hurting-chicken-wing-sales-producer-says|archive-date=January 11, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

After his first kneel in 2016, Nike was well on its way to severing its four year long partnership with Kaepernick.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/26/sports/nike-colin-kaepernick.html|title=Nike Nearly Dropped Colin Kaepernick Before Embracing Him|work=The New York Times|date=September 26, 2018 |access-date=2018-09-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928032659/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/26/sports/nike-colin-kaepernick.html|archive-date=September 28, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all|last1=Creswell |first1=Julie |last2=Draper |first2=Kevin |last3=Maheshwari |first3=Sapna }} Nigel Powell, chief communications executive of Nike, convinced the company to maintain their partnership with Kaepernick which eventually led to the launch of the politically and socially controversial advertisement released in 2018, "Nike - Dream Crazy", with Kaepernick as their face of their 30th anniversary campaign.{{Citation|last=Nike|title=Nike - Dream Crazy|date=2018-09-05|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq2CvmgoO7I|access-date=2018-09-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928094000/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq2CvmgoO7I|archive-date=September 28, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Despite the prevalent backlash on social media of people who criticized Kaepernick's actions by burning and cutting up their Nike brand clothing, and even attracting the attention of President Trump, who then tweeted against the company's campaign,{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/30/business/nike-colin-kaepernick-nfl-just-do-it/index.html|title=Why Nike is betting its slogan on Colin Kaepernick|author=Nathaniel Meyersohn|website=CNN|date=September 30, 2018|access-date=2019-04-02}} Nike sales increased by 31% within five days after the advertisement was released. However, the campaign did result in a temporary drop of 2.2% in the company's stock price.{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5390884/nike-sales-go-up-kaepernick-ad/|title=Nike Sales Increase 31% After Kaepernick Ad Despite Backlash|magazine=Time|access-date=2018-09-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930162220/http://time.com/5390884/nike-sales-go-up-kaepernick-ad/|archive-date=September 30, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/19/nike-colin-kaepernick-ads-national-anthem-protest-controversy.html|title=Some people may hate Nike's marketing campaigns—but the brand keeps adding billions to its bottom line|last1=Turner|first1=Ashley |first2=Dymond |last2=Green |date=2018-09-19|work=CNBC|access-date=2018-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927204349/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/19/nike-colin-kaepernick-ads-national-anthem-protest-controversy.html|archive-date=September 27, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} By September 13, 2018, Nike's stock price closed at $83.47 (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=83.47|start_year=2018}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}), which at the time was the highest in the company's history.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2018/09/13/colin-kaepernicks-nike-ad-campaign-gets-more-yeahs-than-nays-from-young-people/|title=Nike's Colin Kaepernick ad campaign gets more yeas than nays from young people|last=Boren|first=Cindy|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=2019-04-02}} Nike took this backlash and converted it into a meme by releasing an ad that provided instructions to their customer on how to burn their products "properly".

Throughout the remainder of the 2016 season, Kaepernick received public backlash for his protest, with an anonymous NFL executive calling Kaepernick "a traitor".{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2651681-mike-freemans-10-point-stance-kaepernick-anger-intense-in-nfl-front-offices|title=Kaepernick Anger Intense in NFL Front Offices|first=Mike|last=Freeman|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=September 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908034911/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2651681-mike-freemans-10-point-stance-kaepernick-anger-intense-in-nfl-front-offices|archive-date=September 8, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} On September 20, 2016, Kaepernick also stated that he received death threats primarily through social media.[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/nfl-kaepernick-received-death-threats-160921152934415.html US: Colin Kaepernick says he has received death threats] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922124538/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/nfl-kaepernick-received-death-threats-160921152934415.html |date=September 22, 2016 }}. Al Jazeera. September 22, 2016.

Sportscaster Bob Costas offered support for Kaepernick stating, "Patriotism comes in many forms and what has happened is it's been conflated with a bumper-style kind of flag-waving and with the military only so that people cannot see that in his own way Colin Kaepernick, however imperfectly, is doing a patriotic thing."{{Cite news|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/09/bob-costas-trump-nfl|title=Bob Costas puts the entire national anthem debate in perspective with one powerful segment|date=September 25, 2017|work=For The Win|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925161813/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/09/bob-costas-trump-nfl|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Trent Dilfer criticized Kaepernick. "The big thing that hit me through all this was this is a backup quarterback whose job is to be quiet, and sit in the shadows and get the starter ready to play Week 1," Dilfer said on Sunday NFL Countdown. "Yet he chose a time where all of a sudden he became the center of attention. And it has disrupted that organization. It has caused friction. And it's torn at the fabric of the team."{{cite news|last1=Inman|first1=Cam|title=Colin Kaepernick told by ESPN's Trent Dilfer to 'be quiet, sit in the shadows'|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/09/11/colin-kaepernick-told-by-espns-trent-dilfer-to-be-quiet-sit-in-the-shadows/|website=The Mercury News|access-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924014013/http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/09/11/colin-kaepernick-told-by-espns-trent-dilfer-to-be-quiet-sit-in-the-shadows/|archive-date=September 24, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Stemming from the Kaepernick controversy, before the beginning of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey tournament in Toronto, Canada, Team USA coach John Tortorella told in an interview that if any one of his players were to sit out during the anthem, they would sit on the bench for the entire duration of the game.{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/world-cup-of-hockey/tortorella-will-sit-anthem-protests-team-usa/|title=Tortorella 'will sit' any Team USA player who protests anthem - Sportsnet.ca|newspaper=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=2017-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806024405/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/world-cup-of-hockey/tortorella-will-sit-anthem-protests-team-usa/|archive-date=August 6, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

The September 2016 police shootings of Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott bolstered support for his protest.{{cite news|last=Maxwell|first=Francis|title=Silence From Kaepernick Critics Speaks Volumes|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/57e2f47fe4b05d3737be53de?timestamp=1474507429354|website=HuffPost|date=September 21, 2016|access-date=June 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923064107/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/57e2f47fe4b05d3737be53de?timestamp=1474507429354|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Kaepernick said of the Terence Crutcher shooting, "this is a perfect example of what this is about." Boxer Floyd Mayweather criticized Kaepernick, stating, "You know, a lot of times, we get stuck, and we are followers. When you hear one person say 'black lives matter' or 'blue lives matter,' all lives matter." Adding moments later, "With me being a fighter, and my hands being registered, if I hit a guy for breaking in my house, or breaking in my car, it's gonna cost me more money, so I gotta work smarter, not harder. I'm gonna call the cops."{{cite news|last=Payne|first=Marissa|title=Floyd Mayweather advises people to 'follow order' because 'all lives matter'|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/10/11/floyd-mayweather-advises-people-to-follow-order-because-all-lives-matter/|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=October 11, 2016|access-date=June 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824134922/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/10/11/floyd-mayweather-advises-people-to-follow-order-because-all-lives-matter/|archive-date=August 24, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Discussion continued throughout August 2017. Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron said, "I think he's getting a raw deal" from the NFL.{{cite news|last=Axisa|first=Mike|title=MLB Hall of Famer Hank Aaron says Colin Kaepernick is 'getting a raw deal' from NFL|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-hall-of-famer-hank-aaron-says-colin-kaepernick-is-getting-a-raw-deal-from-nfl/|work=CBS Sports|date=August 26, 2017|access-date=June 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160522/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-hall-of-famer-hank-aaron-says-colin-kaepernick-is-getting-a-raw-deal-from-nfl/|archive-date=August 21, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} That same month, Pro Football Hall of Famer and longtime civil rights activist Jim Brown, who a year earlier supported Kaepernick "100 percent",{{Cite news|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000692374/article/jim-brown-im-with-colin-kaepernick-100-percent|title=Jim Brown: I'm with Colin Kaepernick '100 percent'|publisher=National Football League|date=August 29, 2016|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826174257/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000692374/article/jim-brown-im-with-colin-kaepernick-100-percent|archive-date=August 26, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} now criticized him, suggesting Kaepernick ought to decide whether to be an athlete or an activist.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/08/25/jim-brown-says-i-dont-desecrate-my-flag-thinks-colin-kaepernick-should-pick-football-or-activism/|title=Jim Brown says 'I don't desecrate my flag,' thinks Colin Kaepernick should pick football or activism|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826030425/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/08/25/jim-brown-says-i-dont-desecrate-my-flag-thinks-colin-kaepernick-should-pick-football-or-activism/|archive-date=August 26, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} "I'm an American," said Brown. "I don't desecrate my flag and my national anthem. ... This is my country, and I'll work out the problems, but I'll do it in an intelligent manner."{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/08/25/jim-brown-colin-kaepernick-i-dont-desecrate-my-flag-and-my-national-anthem/602349001/|title=Jim Brown on Colin Kaepernick: 'I don't desecrate my flag and my national anthem'|date=August 25, 2017|website=USA Today|access-date=August 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826022704/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/08/25/jim-brown-colin-kaepernick-i-dont-desecrate-my-flag-and-my-national-anthem/602349001/|archive-date=August 26, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Jim Harbaugh, Kaepernick's former coach, penned a strong statement of support for him as part of Time{{'}}s "100 Most Influential People" series. Harbaugh wrote, "His willingness to take a position at personal cost is now part of our American story. How lucky for us all and for our country to have among our citizens someone as remarkable as Colin Kaepernick."{{cite news|url=https://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736257/colin-kaepernick/|title=Colin Kaepernick: The World's 100 Most Influential People|magazine=Time|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924062914/http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736257/colin-kaepernick/|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

NASCAR team owners Richard Petty and Richard Childress have supported Trump and said that they would fire drivers and employees who would not stand for the national anthem.{{cite news|last=Parco|first=Nicholas|title=NASCAR owners threaten to fire any drivers who kneel during national anthem|work=New York Daily News|location=New York|date=September 24, 2017|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/nascar-owners-threaten-fire-drivers-protest-anthem-article-1.3518424|access-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925081415/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/nascar-owners-threaten-fire-drivers-protest-anthem-article-1.3518424|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Petty said, "Anybody that don't stand up for the anthem ought to be out of the country. Period." Childress said, "It'll get you a ride on a Greyhound bus" if anyone on his team protested the anthem.{{cite news | last2=Hamilton | last1=Bieler | first2=Tracee | first1=Des | title=Richard Petty, other NASCAR owners decry protests, but Dale Earnhardt Jr. offers support | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/24/richard-petty-among-nascar-owners-saying-anthem-protests-will-get-employees-fired/ | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=September 25, 2017 | access-date=September 26, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926000633/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/24/richard-petty-among-nascar-owners-saying-anthem-protests-will-get-employees-fired/ | archive-date=September 26, 2017 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., however, expressed support for the peaceful protests, quoting President John F. Kennedy, "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/nascars-dale-earnhardt-jr-voices-support-for-peaceful-protests-in-america/|title=NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt Jr. voices support for peaceful protests in America|publisher=CBSSports.com|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925230434/https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/nascars-dale-earnhardt-jr-voices-support-for-peaceful-protests-in-america/|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} NASCAR released a statement on September 25 in response to the protests that said, "Sports are a unifying influence in our society, bringing people of differing backgrounds and beliefs together. Our respect for the national anthem has always been a hallmark of our pre-race events. Thanks to the sacrifices of many, we live in a country of unparalleled freedoms and countless liberties, including the right to peacefully express one's opinion."{{cite web|title=NASCAR statement|publisher=NASCAR.com|date=September 25, 2017|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2017/09/25/nascar-statement-september-25/|access-date=September 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927112541/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2017/09/25/nascar-statement-september-25/|archive-date=September 27, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Jemele Hill tweeted, "Just so we're clear: the president's comments will only incite more player protests, not quell them." following Trump's initial response to the protests.{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/09/13/media/jemele-hill-espn-white-house/index.html|title=ESPN says it accepts Jemele Hill's apology after anti-Trump tweets|publisher=CNN|date=September 14, 2017|access-date=October 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009214059/http://money.cnn.com/2017/09/13/media/jemele-hill-espn-white-house/index.html|archive-date=October 9, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/media/352026-espns-jemele-hill-trumps-nfl-remarks-will-only-make-more-players-protest/|title=ESPN's Jemele Hill: Trump's NFL remarks will only make more players protest|newspaper=The Hill|date=September 9, 2017|access-date=October 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010004627/http://thehill.com/homenews/media/352026-espns-jemele-hill-trumps-nfl-remarks-will-only-make-more-players-protest|archive-date=October 10, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Hill was later put on a two-week suspension for "a second violation of our social media guidelines", after Hill suggested people direct their disagreements towards advertisers of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, after Jones stated he would bench any player who protested the national anthem on October 9, 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20961541/dallas-cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-says-player-disrespects-flag-play|title=Jerry Jones: Cowboys will bench any player who 'disrespects' flag|publisher=ESPN|date=October 9, 2017|access-date=October 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009233903/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20961541/dallas-cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-says-player-disrespects-flag-play|archive-date=October 9, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/10/09/media/jemele-hill-espn-suspended/index.html|title=ESPN suspends Jemele Hill over tweets|publisher=CNNMoney|date=October 9, 2017|access-date=October 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009202340/http://money.cnn.com/2017/10/09/media/jemele-hill-espn-suspended/index.html|archive-date=October 9, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

On September 25, 2017, Bill Russell posted a photo to Twitter while kneeling and wearing his Presidential Medal of Freedom.{{cite web |url=http://whdh.com/news/celtics-legend-bill-russell-takes-knee-in-photo-with-presidential-medal-of-freedom/ |title=Celtics legend Bill Russell takes knee in photo with Presidential Medal of Freedom |publisher=WHDH 7News |date=February 13, 2011 |access-date=September 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927000037/http://whdh.com/news/celtics-legend-bill-russell-takes-knee-in-photo-with-presidential-medal-of-freedom/ |archive-date=September 27, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} On September 26, 2017, Joey Odoms, the national anthem singer for the home games of the Ravens, resigned citing the "tone/actions of a large number of NFL fans in the midst of our country's cultural crisis".{{cite news |last1=Zrebiec |first1=Jeff |title=Ravens national anthem singer Joey Odoms, a combat veteran, informs team he is resigning |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-odoms-resigning-20170926-story.html |access-date=September 27, 2017 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927112842/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-odoms-resigning-20170926-story.html |archive-date=September 27, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}

Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka commented, "If you don't respect our country, then you shouldn't be in this country playing football ... So I would say, adios." He added that he was "not condemning anybody or criticizing anybody" in his remarks. According to Ditka, "there has been no oppression in the last 100 years that I know of."{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/mike-ditka-nfl-protests-there-s-been-no-oppression-u-n809566|title=Mike Ditka on NFL Protests: There's Been No Oppression in U.S. in Last 100 Years|publisher=NBC News|date=October 10, 2017|access-date=October 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011012733/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/mike-ditka-nfl-protests-there-s-been-no-oppression-u-n809566|archive-date=October 11, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

On June 3, 2020, during the protests over the murder of George Floyd, Drew Brees told Yahoo Finance that he stood by his 2016 opinion that kneeling during the national anthem was disrespectful to the flag and to the US.{{Cite web|date=4 June 2020|title=Drew Brees apologizes for national anthem protest comments: 'I ask for your forgiveness'|url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_ba44838c-a65e-11ea-8825-73abd88bdb43.html|access-date=2020-06-04|website=NOLA.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Just|first=Amie|date=3 June 2020|title=Drew Brees slammed after he says 'he'll never agree with' protests during anthem|url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_e279b606-a5be-11ea-8ee5-fbc0090fa50d.html|access-date=2020-06-04|website=NOLA.com|language=en}} Multiple of his teammates and other professional athletes expressed disappointment and anger at the statement. He apologized early the next day.{{Cite web|date=4 June 2020|title=Drew Brees on Instagram|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CBA1P3gHpT_/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CBA1P3gHpT_ |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|access-date=2020-06-04|website=Instagram|language=en}}{{cbignore}}

ESPN journalist Howard Bryant pointed out while many critics urged African-American athletes to leave politics out of sports, militaristic political displays and recruitment were broadly welcome, such as military fly-overs, camouflage versions of uniform merchandise, celebration of wounded veterans, expressions of support for law enforcement, and the national anthem.{{cite web |title=When Black Athletes Take A Political Stand |date=June 7, 2018 |website=Think! Podcast |publisher=KERA-FM |url=https://think.kera.org/2018/06/07/when-black-athletes-take-a-political-stand/}} (at around 34 min) Bryant also criticized the impulse to silence or take away the citizenship of people speaking up against injustice.

NFL ratings have been in decline for the past couple years, except for the 2018 season, which saw an increase of 4%.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/what-drove-the-nfls-tv-ratings-increase-in-2018/|title=What Drove the NFL's TV Ratings Increase in 2018?|date=2019-01-05|website=TheWrap|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-26}} However, during the 2016 and 2017 seasons ratings were down by 8% and 9.7% respectively.{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2685400-nfl-tv-ratings-reportedly-down-8-percent-for-2016-17-season|title=NFL TV Ratings Reportedly Down 8 Percent for 2016 Season|last=Chiari|first=Mike|website=Bleacher Report|language=en|access-date=2019-04-26}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21960086|title=NFL television ratings down 9.7 percent during 2017 regular season|date=2018-01-04|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2019-04-26}} A UBS securities analysis show that the primary cause of the drop in the ratings from the NFL is mainly due to players protesting the national anthem. According to the same survey, 50% of the decline in rating in 2017 is because of players taking a knee before the game, whereas this action only accounts for 18% of the decline of rating in 2016.{{Cite web |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/6/nfl-ratings-down-due-anthem-protests-survey/ |title=NFL ratings down due to anthem protests: survey |last=Richardson |first=Valerie |magazine=The Washington Times |language=en-US |access-date=2019-04-26}} The decline in ratings also had an impact on the ad revenue from major television companies, especially CBS and Fox.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2017/11/03/nfl-anthem-protests-smack-leagues-broadcasters-and-sponsors/|title=NFL Anthem Protests Continue To Smack League's Broadcasters And Sponsors|last=Ozanian|first=Mike|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2019-04-26}}

Stevie Wonder knelt during the 2017 Global Citizen Festival on September 23, saying "Tonight, I'm taking a knee for America".{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Kristine |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2017/09/24/im-taking-a-knee-for-america-stevie-wonder-joins-a-movement-trump-deplores/ |title='I'm taking a knee for America': Stevie Wonder joins a movement Trump deplores |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=September 24, 2017 |access-date=September 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102101044/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2017/09/24/im-taking-a-knee-for-america-stevie-wonder-joins-a-movement-trump-deplores/ |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}

Eddie Vedder, Pharrell Williams, Dave Matthews, John Legend and Roger Waters knelt to support the protests during concerts on September 24.{{cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/eddie-vedder-roger-waters-take-knee-onstage-in-protest-w505227 |title=Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters Take Knee Onstage in Protest |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=September 25, 2017 |access-date=September 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925173143/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/eddie-vedder-roger-waters-take-knee-onstage-in-protest-w505227 |archive-date=September 25, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} The same day Sonequa Martin-Green posted in her Instagram account a picture of several members from Star Trek: Discovery{{'}}s cast alongside producer Akiva Goldsman and herself kneeling.{{cite magazine |last=Hibberd |first=James |url=https://ew.com/tv/2017/09/25/star-trek-discovery-sonequa-takes-knee/ |title=Star Trek: Discovery cast takes a knee in premiere night protest |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=September 25, 2017 |access-date=September 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928072419/http://ew.com/tv/2017/09/25/star-trek-discovery-sonequa-takes-knee/ |archive-date=September 28, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} Shonda Rhimes posted a photo kneeling with the cast of Grey's Anatomy.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/greys-anatomy-take-a-knee-1202574019/|title='Grey's Anatomy' Cast, Creator Take a Knee in Instagram Post|first=Daniel|last=Holloway|date=September 27, 2017|website=variety.com|access-date=October 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002145613/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/greys-anatomy-take-a-knee-1202574019/|archive-date=October 2, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

The X-Files actors Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny posted a photo on Twitter of themselves kneeling with arms locked on September 26.{{cite web |author=Gael Fashingbauer Cooper |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/x-files-gillian-anderson-david-duchovny-take-a-knee-nfl-colin-kaepernick-donald-trump/ |title='X-Files' stars Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny take a knee |website=CNET |date=September 19, 2017 |access-date=September 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928204923/https://www.cnet.com/news/x-files-gillian-anderson-david-duchovny-take-a-knee-nfl-colin-kaepernick-donald-trump/ |archive-date=September 28, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}

Actor Damien Leake had been making a similar protest for almost 50 years, since the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. When asked to comment:

{{blockquote|Does it ever occur to you that the playing of the national anthem has no place at a sporting event, period? Those of you who know me from high school may remember that I decided to start sitting during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner on April 4th 1968, and have been sitting ever since.{{cite web|url=https://mynewsla.com/hollywood/2017/10/03/trump-bashes-nfl-but-serpico-actor-sits-for-national-anthem-since-1968/|title='Serpico' actor: Why I've sat for national anthem since 1968|date=October 4, 2017|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211174230/https://mynewsla.com/hollywood/2017/10/03/trump-bashes-nfl-but-serpico-actor-sits-for-national-anthem-since-1968/|archive-date=February 11, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}|}}

On October 11, 2018, Colin Kaepernick was awarded the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal at Harvard University during the Hutchins Center Honors sponsored by the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research. The award was given for his "significant contributions and African-American history and culture", and for his support "for intercultural understanding and human rights in an increasingly global and interconnected world".{{cite web|url=https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/09/kaepernick-and-chappelle-among-eight-du-bois-medalists-at-harvard/|title=Kaepernick and Chappelle among eight Du Bois medalists at Harvard|date=September 20, 2018|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212065845/https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/09/kaepernick-and-chappelle-among-eight-du-bois-medalists-at-harvard/|archive-date=December 12, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Some might think that the award is significant because it shows what he has sacrificed for starting and upholding the national anthem protest, and gives credibility to him as an activist based on the criteria for the award and past honorees such as Muhammad Ali.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/21/us/harvard-honors-kaepernick-trnd/index.html|title=Harvard will honor Colin Kaepernick for contributions to African-American history and culture|author1=Christina Maxouris |author2=Saeed Ahmed|website=CNN|date=September 21, 2018|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929084511/https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/21/us/harvard-honors-kaepernick-trnd/index.html|archive-date=September 29, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Due to Kaepernick's 2018 advertisement with Nike, both plaudits and denunciations have been voiced. On September 5, 2018, in response to the new Kaepernick-Nike campaign, the National Black Police Association provided a letter stating, "The NBPA believes that Mr. Kaepernick's stance is in direct alignment with what law enforcement stands for — the protection of a people, their human rights, their dignity, their safety and their rights as American citizens."{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/identities/2018/9/6/17827348/colin-kaepernick-nfl-protest-police-unions-boycott |title=A black police organization issued a powerful defense of Colin Kaepernick|date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031205/https://www.vox.com/identities/2018/9/6/17827348/colin-kaepernick-nfl-protest-police-unions-boycott|archive-date=December 16, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Despite being police officers, the NBPA defends Kaepernick's actions because they feel that the issue of race must be addressed in order to tackle the ongoing issue.

{{cite news|last=Rosenberg|first=Eli|date=2018-09-06|title=Why a black police group issued a stirring defense of Colin Kaepernick|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2018/09/06/black-officers-group-issues-stirring-defense-kaepernick-says-values-directly-align-with-police/?noredirect=on|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220181523/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2018/09/06/black-officers-group-issues-stirring-defense-kaepernick-says-values-directly-align-with-police/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.fe7823e14721|archive-date=February 20, 2019|access-date=February 19, 2019|newspaper=The Washington Post|df=mdy-all}}

There is a wide divide of agreement on this subject between law enforcement groups; especially between the NBPA and [http://www.napo.org National Association of Police Organizations] (who felt that Kaepernick's gestures regarding the national anthem were disrespectful).{{Cite web|url=https://qz.com/1380985/nikes-colin-kaepernick-ad-is-dividing-us-police/ |title=Nike's Colin Kaepernick ad is dividing US police|date=September 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031712/https://qz.com/1380985/nikes-colin-kaepernick-ad-is-dividing-us-police/|archive-date=December 16, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} NAPO has even called for a boycott of Nike products due to their recent partnership with Kaepernick.{{Cite web|url=http://www.napo.org/washington-report/latest-news-updates/napo-calls-boycott-nike/ |title=NAPO Calls for Boycott of Nike|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207150721/http://www.napo.org/washington-report/latest-news-updates/napo-calls-boycott-nike/|archive-date=December 7, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

During the George Floyd protests, some police officers began kneeling to express solidarity with the protesters, in support of racial justice.{{cite news |last1=Lawford |first1=Emily |title=Police officers take the knee in show of solidarity with George Floyd protesters |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/police-take-knee-support-protesters-george-floyd-a4455841.html |access-date=14 June 2020 |work=Evening Standard |publisher=The Standard |date=June 1, 2020}} On May 31, Lieutenant Robert Cattani knelt during the protests in Lower Manhattan's Foley Square. Cattani later apologized, on June 3, to his fellow officers for his "horrible decision", stating that he had not thought of the "consequence" of his action, which was not specified; that having knelt "goes against every principle and value that I stand for", and that his kneeling had ruined his "reputation as a good cop".{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Myles |author1-link=Myles Miller |title=NYPD Lt. Apologizes to Colleagues for Kneeling During George Floyd Protest, Email Shows |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nypd-lt-apologizes-to-colleagues-for-kneeling-during-george-floyd-protest-email-shows/2458534/ |access-date=June 13, 2020 |work=NBC New York |date=June 12, 2020}}

Kneeling during the national anthem became a symbol of resistance, similar to the black power fist. The act was discussed heavily on social media, with users on Twitter and Facebook using #TakeAKnee or #TakeTheKnee to discuss the act. The use of this hashtag exploded with 4 million tweets.{{Cite web|url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/this-social-analytics-firm-says-the-4-million-takeaknee-tweets-are-just-the-beginning/|title=This Social Analytics Firm Says the 4 Million #TakeAKnee Tweets Are Just the Beginning|last1=Monllos |first1=Kristina|date=September 25, 2017|website=www.adweek.com|access-date=2019-03-07}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.adweek.com/digital/takeaknee-taketheknee-athletes-twitter-trump/|title=Twitter Saw 3.8 Million #TakeAKnee Tweets Amid Trump's Weekend Dust-Up With Pro Sports|website=www.adweek.com|date=September 25, 2017 |access-date=2019-03-07}} The hashtag was often used with other hashtags such as #BoycottNFL and #BlackLivesMatter. #BoycottNFL is used in different states than #TakeAKnee, with those using #BoycottNFL wanting to boycott the NFL and those using #TakeAKnee supporting the players who choose to protest.{{Cite web|url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/twitter-numbers-boycott-nfl-vs-take-knee/|title=By the social-media numbers: Boycott NFL vs. Take a Knee|last=Hickey|first=Brian|website=www.phillyvoice.com|date=October 19, 2017|access-date=2019-03-07}}

The previous national anthem policy by the NFL written about a decade before the new policy in May 2018 contained vocabulary that allotted more leeway in the players' behavior during the national anthem before games. It required players to be on the sideline but only stated that players should, not must, stand during the national anthem.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mannersmentor.com/u-s-flag-pledge-of-allegiance-and-national-anthem-etiquette/|title=U.S. Flag, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem Etiquette|date=July 3, 2019|website=Manners Mentor}} Colin Kaepernick used this fact to an advantage and conducted his act of a peaceful protest which remained inconspicuous until President Trump posted his tweets on Twitter.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/23/sports/national-anthem-nfl.html|title=N.F.L. Anthem Policy Bound to Please Only the N.F.L.|last=Belson|first=Ken|date=2018-05-23|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-04-26|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} The tweets brought enormous amounts of media attention to the participating players and found people on two sides of the issue; one group that supported Kaepernick and many other players that were protesting to bring awareness to the police brutality that black people faced and the other group that believed kneeling was disrespectful to the country, flag, or the military.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/the-two-sides-of-the-us-national-anthem-protests-in-the-nfl/a-40673869|title=The two sides of the US national anthem protests in the NFL|last=VanOpdorp|first=Davis|website=DW.COM|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-26}}

To address the backlash, the NFL released a national anthem policy in May 2018, stating that players and team personnel were required to stand during the national anthem. Those who chose not to stand were required to remain in the locker room.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-anthem-policy-on-hold-under-standstill-agreement-0ap3000000941064|title=NFL anthem policy on hold under standstill agreement|website=NFL.com|language=en|access-date=2019-04-10}} Though NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the vote was unanimous among all NFL owners, Jed York, the owner of the San Francisco 49ers and Kaepernick's previous team said he abstained.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23582533|title=New policy requires on-field players, personnel to stand for anthem|last1=Seifert|first1=Kevin|last2=Graziano|first2=Dan|date=2018-05-23|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2019-04-26}} During an interview, President Trump said that the NFL did "the right thing" of releasing the new policy. He added, "You have to stand proudly for the national anthem or you shouldn't be playing. You shouldn't be there. Maybe you shouldn't be in the country."{{Cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/nfl-new-national-anthem-policy-has-people-talking/JqNUUdBClTX9DNAn2UrgZL/|title=NFL's policy on flag, national anthem has people talking|last=Brett|first=Jennifer|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|language=en|access-date=2019-04-26}} In another interview, he applauded the new policy after its release, but felt that it was not strict enough.{{cite web |date=May 24, 2018 |title=Trump says athletes who kneel during anthem 'maybe shouldn't be in the country' |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-says-nfl-players-who-kneel-during-national-anthem-maybe-n876996 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120225813/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-says-nfl-players-who-kneel-during-national-anthem-maybe-n876996 |archive-date=January 20, 2019 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |website=NBC News |df=mdy-all}}

Since passing the new national anthem policy in May 2018, the policy was put on hold in July 2018. This occurred when the NFLPA filed a grievance against the NFL's national anthem policy, stating that the policy violated the players' rights because there were no prior discussions between the NFL and NFLPA. The policy remained suspended until Super Bowl LIII and will remain suspended until further notice.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bustle.com/p/the-super-bowl-2019-kneeling-policy-leaves-that-decision-up-to-players-15867537|title=What To Know About The NFL's Kneeling Policy Ahead Of The 2019 Super Bowl|last=Friedmann|first=Sarah|website=Bustle|date=February 2, 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-04-26}}

During the George Floyd protests on June 4, 2020, about 20 players released a video reciting the names of victims, demanding that the NFL condemn racism and admit its policy against peaceful protests were wrong and to affirm that black lives matter. Roger Goodell did so in a video message on June 5, and encouraged everyone to protest peacefully.{{Cite news |title=Week In Sports: NFL Commissioner Says 'We Were Wrong' About Kneeling Protests |website=NPR.org |url=https://www.npr.org/2020/06/06/871404631/week-in-sports-nfl-commissioner-says-we-were-wrong-about-kneeling-protests}} On June 3, quarterback Drew Brees reiterated his opinion against the national anthem protests, generating considerable criticism, including from his teammates. Though he did not endorse the action of kneeling during the anthem, Brees apologized, prompting criticism of the apology from President Trump. Brees replied to Trump on Twitter that he has come to understand the protests were never about the American flag, and said it was wrong to use the flag to turn people away or distract people from issues facing African-Americans. In August, after the shooting of Jacob Blake, a black man, Goodell said that he wished the NFL had listened earlier to Kaepernick's reasons for kneeling.{{cite news|first=Jori|last=Epstein|title= Dallas Cowboys VP Stephen Jones declines chance to back Roger Goodell's stance on Colin Kaepernick's protests|date=August 27, 2020|newspaper=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2020/08/27/stephen-jones-does-not-back-roger-goodell-colin-kaepernick-stance/5652302002/|access-date=August 29, 2020}}

• Show Racism the Red Card
• 2020 American athlete strikes
• 1968 Olympics Black Power salute
• United States Flag Code
• Quarterback kneel

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |title=The Heritage: Black Athletes, a Divided America, and the Politics of Patriotism |author=Howard Bryant |publisher=Beacon Press |year=2018 |isbn=978-0807026991}}

{{Black Lives Matter}}

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