Colin Kaepernick Begins Kneeling During National Anthem

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem before NFL games in August 2016 to protest police brutality and racial inequality, following a suggestion from Green Beret Nate Boyer. After the 2016 season, Kaepernick opted out of his contract; no NFL team signed him despite his performance record. He filed a collusion grievance against NFL owners, which was settled confidentially in 2019. His protest ignited a national debate and led to President Trump calling protesting players 'sons of bitches' at a 2017 rally. Kaepernick became a cultural symbol of resistance.