Challenges in the Life of Colin Kaepernick in a Detailed Timeline
A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Colin Kaepernick's life and career.
Colin Kaepernick is a former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist. Best known for playing six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Kaepernick gained prominence in 2016 for kneeling during the national anthem before NFL games. This action was a protest against police brutality and racial injustice towards African Americans in the United States. The protest sparked widespread debate and controversy, significantly impacting his career and leading to discussions about freedom of speech, patriotism, and social justice within the NFL and American society at large. Since 2017, he has remained unsigned by any NFL team and has become a symbol of resistance and social activism.
September 2016: Kaepernick Kneels During Anthem and Addresses Social Justice
In September 2016, Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem to show respect to military members while continuing his protest. He commented on police shootings, calling them "a perfect example of what this is about." He also addressed wearing socks depicting police officers as pigs, stating it was a statement against "rogue cops" and not all police.
2016: Protest During National Anthem
In 2016, Colin Kaepernick began protesting racial injustice, police brutality, and oppression by sitting and then kneeling during the U.S. national anthem before NFL games.
2016: Kaepernick's Anthem Protest Begins
Leading up to the 2016 season, Kaepernick was vocal on social media about police shootings and social issues. During the 49ers' third preseason game in 2016, it was noticed that he sat during the national anthem, explaining that he was protesting racial oppression and police brutality against African Americans. He stated that he would continue to protest until he felt the flag represented what it's supposed to represent.
August 2017: Allegations of Blackballing and Statistical Analysis
By August 2017, Kaepernick remained unsigned, leading to widespread allegations of blackballing due to his political statements. Statistics website FiveThirtyEight concluded that "it's obvious Kaepernick is being frozen out for his political opinions" citing his prolonged unemployment despite being an above-average quarterback.
September 2017: Trump's Comments Intensify Protests
In September 2017, after President Donald Trump's remarks about firing protesting players, the anthem protests intensified.
October 2017: Kaepernick Files Grievance Against the NFL
In October 2017, Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL, accusing league owners of colluding to keep him out of the league due to his protests. The NFL's request to dismiss the case was denied, setting the stage for a trial.
November 2017: Filed Grievance Against the NFL
In November 2017, Colin Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL and its owners, accusing them of collusion in keeping him out of the league.
August 2018: Arbitrator Rejects NFL's Request to Dismiss Case
In August 2018, the arbitrator Stephen B. Burbank rejected the NFL's request to dismiss Kaepernick's case against the league.
February 2019: Settlement with the NFL
In February 2019, Colin Kaepernick withdrew his grievance against the NFL after reaching a confidential settlement.
July 2019: Nike Withdraws Shoe After Kaepernick's Concerns
In July 2019, Nike withdrew its Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July trainers, which featured the Betsy Ross flag, after Colin Kaepernick expressed concerns that it was offensive due to its association with slavery. The decision sparked widespread debate and criticism.
2020: Renewed Attention Amid George Floyd Protests
In 2020, Colin Kaepernick's protests received renewed attention amid the George Floyd protests against police brutality and racism.
