A lot people enjoy the game of football, they love the energy and the adrenaline they gain from the excitement, but many are proud to hear their national anthem playing while everyone stands and put their right hand over their heart. Not Colin Kaepernick. September 1, 2016, 49ers vs. Chargers, quarterback Colin Kaepernick and defensive back Eric Reid knelt down during the national anthem.

Kaepernick informed the NFL reporters that he “was not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” He touched his story upon the death of Terrence Crutcher, who was shot and killed by a white police officer. Crutcher was unarmed during the incident. Kaepernick has not only received hate but death threats, he says that if he dies then he’s proving a point.

Chip Kelly told the nfl.com reporter that Kaepernick he has the right to do whatever he wants. He also reported that “ players are encouraged to but are not required to stand during the national anthem.” Kaepernick did not want to kneel down just to be selfish, he used his platform to show awareness for the minorities in this world. He stated that he was aware of what he was doing and that he was not looking for approval, that he had to stand for those who are oppressed.

Ever since this incident happened no NFL team wants to recruit Kaepernick. On September 5, 2018, Nike released an ad not only featuring Colin Kaepernick but making him the face of Nike.“Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”   

The NFL have tried to keep Kaepernick quiet but he didn’t stop his movement. Someone blackmailed Kaepernick and Eric Reid threatening them if they didn’t stop they would either be fined or cut the players. When people heard about Nike making Kaepernick the face of Nike people were upset about the situation, but many supported him as well. They eventually started burning Nike gear and tried to boycott Nike. Not only did the fans of Nike react but President Trump did, He recently tweeted “Just like the NFL, whose ratings have gone WAY DOWN, Nike is getting absolutely killed with anger and boycotts. I wonder if they had any idea that it would be this way? As far as the NFL is concerned, I just find it hard to watch, and always will, until they stand for the FLAG!”  Although people are disagreeing with Colin Kaepernick, there are many supporters in this movement. Lebron James, J. Cole, John Legend, and many more believe that Kaepernick is making the right choice to stand up for not only himself but the people of color.