I still remember when the first NFL kneeling protest began. Man, it felt like the world was watching. I’d seen plenty of protests in my life, but this one was different.
It was former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick who fundamentally changed the conversation when he took a knee in 2016 during the pre-game ceremony. It was a powerful statement, and even the NFL itself acknowledged its collective magnificence. I was starting to understand that Kaepernick’s protest, and the subsequent leverage of influence through the NFL, could be used to advance a message that stretched far beyond the football field.
Although the original intention of kneelers was cultural and systemic, soon the league was more focused on how protesters merchandise their message for more than just the moment. Despite the NFL changing their tune, players on the field still take a knee to engage the public on structural oppression and other issues.
The latest iteration of the NFL kneeling protest has had its share of complexities. This football season, some clubs opted to recline rather than sit, some chose to link arms, and even some chose to kneel. This hasn’t been warmly welcomed by many team and league officials, but it’s important to note that these actions follow a broader set of objectives—especially regarding the issues of racial injustice, police brutality, and social reform.
All in all, I think that NFL taking a knee as their protest is still a powerful statement. It’s symbolic, and when those athletes take a knee, the message is clear: the league stands against injustice and violence. This could be the single most important point in history when it comes to athletes and their power to make a difference through their platforms.
The kneeling protest has united many different voices, united many groups of people, and unified a movement in some areas. For example, many of the players who took part in the anti-racism protests have made a commitment to use their platform to continue their activism in the future. And in many ways, the players have been successful in communicating their thought and their position.
As their stories get heard, and the issues tackled, I feel more and more hopeful for this nation. I see NFL players, coaches, and owners coming together to showcase their stance on specific problems and catalyzing their supporters to take action and stand strong for what they believe. It feels optimistic, and it is an important reminder that people are still out there who will fight against racial injustice, and other related issues.
The NFL kneeling protest has meant more than just a gesture. It has pointed to a brighter future. We may not know the future of the league, but the NFL kneeling protest has made it clear: the fight for justice is still alive, and it won’t be finished anytime soon.
A few weeks ago, I was at a game, where I got to witness one of the most powerful acts of protest. As I stood in the stadium, fist in the air, I got a sense of pride from the solidarity of the crowd, who all rallied together in the face of adversity. They didn’t care who or what was on the line: they wanted to stand up for their beliefs and prove they weren’t giving up.
I believe that this moment in our history will be remembered for generations to come, and I hope that these protest will become a defining factor in current and future generations. What I saw that day was a strong effort to put pressure on society to talk about the dialogues that need to be addressed and embraced.
The NFL kneeling protest has created a stage to bring attention and focus to issues of racism, police brutality, and social reform. In the process, it has empowered people to take action and make a strong statement about their beliefs. It has highlighted the strength of diversity, and it has made a case for equality. This is a powerful tool for any organized social movement, and I feel confident that it will continue to influence and shape the future of our nation.