Colin Kaepernick first took a knee during the national anthem in the preseason leading into the 2016 NFL campaign, publicly debuting the gesture on August 14, 2016, before the San Francisco 49ers’ third preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. The act began as a solitary, peaceful protest against racial injustice and police brutality, drawing sharp criticism while simultaneously energizing a nationwide conversation about race, free speech, and athlete activism. This timeline clarifies when the kneeling started, how it evolved, and the durable influence it had on sports and culture.
Background: From Sitting to Kneeling
In the 2016 offseason, Kaepernick—then the 49ers’ backup quarterback—began discussing his concerns about systemic racism and police violence with teammates and reporters. Initially, he chose to sit on the bench during the national anthem before the 2016 regular season to draw attention to these issues. After consulting with former Green Beret and NFL teammate Nate Boyer, Kaepernick modified the protest to kneeling, aiming to show a more respectful posture while still highlighting racial inequity. The shift to kneeling quietly spread among other players and eventually became a widespread movement across the league.
Key Timeline
The following timeline captures the earliest public kneeling moments and notable dates directly tied to Kaepernick’s protest and its immediate ripple effects across the NFL and broader sports landscape.
| Date | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| July 2016 | Kaepernick begins sitting during the national anthem | Introduces silent protest; raises awareness of racial injustice |
| August 14, 2016 | Kaepernick first kneels in preseason vs. Packers | Marks the shift from sitting to kneeling as the iconic gesture |
| September 1, 2016 | More NFL players join kneeling during preseason | Movement grows; solidarity across teams |
| September 24, 2016 | President Obama comments on anthem protests | Elevates national discourse on free speech and race |
| October 2016 onward | Kaepernick unemployment and collusion grievance | Legal and labor ramifications; long-term status query |
August 14, 2016: The First Kneel
Before San Francisco’s preseason game against Green Bay, Kaepernick knelt with his hand over his heart during the playing of the national anthem. Teammate Eric Reid joined him, and the image circulated widely, marking the moment the kneeling protest became visually distinct and publicly legible. While Kaepernick had sat for several weeks prior, this first kneel set the template that many others would copy in subsequent days and seasons.
From Individual Act to Collective Movement
In the weeks that followed that preseason match, teammates, opponents, and athletes in other sports began kneeling, locking arms, or raising fists. What started as a personal stance against racial inequality turned into a cross-sport statement, prompting league meetings, owner statements, and policy proposals. High school and college athletes also adopted the gesture, demonstrating the protest’s reach beyond the NFL.
Reactions and Consequences
The kneeling drew fierce criticism from some fans, commentators, and officials who saw it as disrespectful to the flag and military. Others praised it as a necessary exercise of constitutional rights and a call for reform. The 49ers and later the NFL grappled with balancing player expression with audience expectations, leading to evolving guidelines and, eventually, league-wide policy shifts in the years that followed.
Long-Term Impact on Sports and Culture
Kaepernick’s kneeling catalyzed lasting changes in how sports intersect with social advocacy. It influenced corporate partnerships, media coverage, league policies, and the way athletes discuss race and justice. Even after leaving the league without playing a regular-season game, Kaepernick’s action remained a reference point for athlete activism, shaping the norms around protest in professional sports and beyond.
Evergreen Context and Definitions
“Kneeling during the national anthem” denotes a form of symbolic speech intended to peacefully protest perceived injustices. While practices and policies evolve, the core issues—racial equity, police accountability, and labor rights in professional sports—remain relevant. Understanding when Colin Kaepernick first kneeled provides clarity on the origins of a movement that continues to influence discourse on activism in athletics.
Status and Clarifications
As of the current date, Kaepernick has not been rehired as an NFL active-player, and his grievance concerning potential collusion remains a matter of public record. The gesture he initiated—first kneeling in August 2016—has become an established moment in sports history, with ongoing debates about its place in athletic environments reflecting broader cultural shifts.