Media accounts detail the origin of Colin Kaepernick's 2016 anthem protest
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Ten years after Colin Kaepernick began his national anthem protests, reporting has detailed the sequence of events that brought the 49ers quarterback's actions to public attention. During a 2016 preseason game against the Packers at Levi's Stadium, NFL Media staff confirmed the quarterback remained seated during the anthem. A social media photograph captured by Jennifer Lee Chan provided visual confirmation of the act, which had previously gone unnoticed during earlier exhibition games. Following confirmation from Mike Garafolo, reporter Steve Wyche published an interview with Kaepernick explaining his protest against the treatment of Black people and people of color. The story quickly gained international attention, drawing comments from political figures and leading to a cover feature in Time Magazine. Kaepernick later expanded on his stance, citing concerns regarding racial inequality and the presidential election.
- •Colin Kaepernick first sat for the national anthem during 2016 preseason games.
- •A photograph by Jennifer Lee Chan provided the first public confirmation of the protest.
- •Steve Wyche reported the story after receiving confirmation from Mike Garafolo.
- •Kaepernick cited concerns over police brutality and racial oppression as his motivation.
- •The action triggered international media coverage and responses from government officials.
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — A tip, an iPhone photo and a scoop: How Kaepernick's protest exploded in one frantic night
"Before Colin Kapernick's anthem protest became the biggest story connecting sports and society in the 21st century, it unfolded quietly on the San Francisco 49ers bench. Then "it became a wildfire."
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