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Kaepernick’s 2016 anthem kneel sparked nationwide athlete protests

9/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the anthem in 2016, sparking a protest.
He first sat on August 14, 2016 before the 49ers’ preseason game versus Houston.
His first kneel was on August 26, 2016 before the 49ers faced Green Bay.
Kaepernick became a free agent in 2017 and never signed with another NFL team.
The protest spread to the 2017 WNBA Finals, and athletes including Megan Rapinoe knelt after George Floyd’s May 2020 death.

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Story summary

Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the anthem in 2016, sparking a protest.
He first sat on August 14, 2016 before the 49ers’ preseason game versus Houston.
His first kneel was on August 26, 2016 before the 49ers faced Green Bay.
Kaepernick became a free agent in 2017 and never signed with another NFL team.
The protest spread to the 2017 WNBA Finals, and athletes including Megan Rapinoe knelt after George Floyd’s May 2020 death.