Colin Kaepernick
Colin Kaepernick is an American football quarterback best known for kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice, beginning in 2016.
The gesture sparked nationwide debate about patriotism, free speech, and athlete activism.
He became a free agent in 2017 and was not signed by any NFL team, leading to accusations that owners blackballed him.
His name now serves as shorthand for protest that risks professional consequences: She pulled a Kaepernick and lost her sponsorship deal.
Passing position in football
- NFLPro football organization
- 49ers1849 gold seekers
- touchdownSix-point gridiron play
- scrambleMix into disorder
draft · gridiron · playbook · passer · offense · signal-caller · combine · athleticism
Guaranteed individual legal protections
- equalitySame status for all
- justiceFair treatment under law
- Black Lives MatterCivil rights movement against racist violence
- social reformOrganized push for societal betterment
grassroots · humanitarian · community · solidarity · freedom · voice · empowerment · awareness
Official patriotic composition
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- Star-Spangled BannerAmerican patriotic song
- sidelineSecondary business pursuit
- pregameBefore the main event
gesture · symbolism · silent protest · flag · stadium · taking a knee · demonstration · statement
Strong negative reaction
- polarizationSeparation into opposing extremes
- debateFormal argument on issues
- boycottOrganized economic protest
- blackballedRejected by anonymous vote
collusion · unsigned · free agency · settlement · grievance · media frenzy · public outcry · division
Person others emulate
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- courageFortitude facing danger
- heroOne admired for courage
- pioneerEarly explorer or settler
influential · perseverance · determination · iconic · resilience · sacrifice · conviction · standing up
quarterback
Passing position in football
scramble · draft · gridiron · playbook · passer · offense · signal-caller · combine · athleticism · rushing
civil rights
Guaranteed individual legal protections
- equalitySame status for all
- justiceFair treatment under law
- Black Lives MatterCivil rights movement against racist violence
social reform · grassroots · humanitarian · community · solidarity · freedom · voice · empowerment · awareness · advocacy
national anthem
Official patriotic composition
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- Star-Spangled BannerAmerican patriotic song
- sidelineSecondary business pursuit
pregame · gesture · symbolism · silent protest · flag · stadium · taking a knee · demonstration · statement · solidarity
backlash
Strong negative reaction
- polarizationSeparation into opposing extremes
- debateFormal argument on issues
- boycottOrganized economic protest
blackballed · collusion · unsigned · free agency · settlement · grievance · media frenzy · public outcry · division · nationalism
role model
Person others emulate
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- courageFortitude facing danger
- heroOne admired for courage
pioneer · influential · perseverance · determination · iconic · resilience · sacrifice · conviction · standing up · legacy
- footballfootball, touchdown, field goal, quarterback, end zone
- civil rightsequal protection, equal rights, Civil Rights Act, right to life, Voting Rights Act
- activistsactivist, Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights activists, protester, campaigner
- Bay Area Sports49ers, Giants, Athletics, San Francisco Giants, Steph Curry
- controversial figuresdictator, tyrant, demagogue, extremist, war criminal
Colin Kaepernickflag waver
Ardent public loyalist