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Colin Kaepernick's impact on sports media ten years after protest

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 3:00 PM

Last updated Aug 27, 2026

Colin Kaepernick's impact on sports media ten years after protest

Summary

Colin Kaepernick's peaceful protest during the national anthem started on August 26, 2016, marking a significant moment in sports activism. Kaepernick, then with the San Francisco 49ers, highlighted issues of racial oppression and police brutality, drawing widespread attention and criticism. The media's response, largely focusing on sensationalism over substance, reflects ongoing challenges in journalism, as noted by author Craig Unger. Kaepernick's actions sparked debate within the NFL and influenced athlete activism, an area which has seen fluctuations in intensity over the years.

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By the Numbers

•Kaepernick protested during the anthem starting August 26, 2016.
•His actions led to criticism and ongoing discussions about race in sports.
•Mainstream media often prioritized sensationalism over Kaepernick's message.
•Kaepernick's influence is evident in athlete activism trends today.

Latest Updates

3:00 PMYahoo Sports — What Colin Kaepernick foreshadowed about our current state of sports media

What they're saying

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Last month, author and journalist Craig Unger posted a Substack evaluating the apathetic blanket over American media. He wrote that “nothing moves the needle anymore,” citing the loss of accountability and the erosion of factual foundation. “Our so-called free press can no longer do what it used to do,” Unger wrote, in part. “That’s because…
— Yahoo Sports

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