Colin Kaepernick reflects on NFL anthem protest and player response
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 4:50 PM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
Colin Kaepernick discussed his national anthem protest from 2016 during an episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour aired on September 11. He expressed disappointment that more NFL players did not join him in kneeling against police brutality and racial injustice, sharing anecdotes of players who were hesitant due to concerns over management and public perception. Kaepernick highlighted a missed opportunity for collective action among players. Although he has not played in the NFL since 2016, he indicated he would still be ready to return if given the chance.
- •Kaepernick started kneeling in 2016 to protest racial injustice.
- •He was initially alone before teammate Eric Reid joined him.
- •Kaepernick hoped for more support from fellow NFL players.
- •Players expressed fears about management repercussions for protesting.
- •Kaepernick remains open to returning to the NFL.
- 4:50 PMYahoo Sports — Colin Kaepernick ‘Disappointed’ More NFL Players Didn’t Kneel With Him During Anthem in 2016 Protest
"Colin Kaepernick is looking back at the national anthem protest he began a decade ago. During the Friday, September 11, episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, Kaepernick, 38, recalled how former San Francisco 49ers teammate Eric Reid approached him about joining the protest after Kaepernick initially sat alone during the anthem. In 2016, the […]
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Sep 18, 2026, 6:07 PMMyles Garrett Absence Puts Rams’ Blockbuster Trade Under Early Pressure
NFL•Sep 18, 2026, 6:07 PMWill Rams star Aaron Donald play Monday night? Here's what Giants think
NFL•Sep 18, 2026, 6:02 PMBrock Bowers Injury Update: Raiders TE Could Return Sooner Than Expected
NFL•Sep 18, 2026, 5:37 PMNew York Giants vs. Los Angeles Rams: 6 things to know about Week 2
NFL•Sep 18, 2026, 5:01 PMGeorge Kittle coins a new nickname for the 49ers after a dominant Week 1 performance
NFL•Sep 18, 2026, 4:56 PMStephen A. Smith rips Lions defense after giving up 71 points in 2 games