Colin Kaepernick remains a contentious figure in American culture, drawing attention not for his football career but for his role in an ongoing discourse surrounding race and political activism. A study published on July 3, 2025, delves into the lasting effects of Kaepernick’s actions, particularly his habit of kneeling during the national anthem in the late 2010s. This simple gesture ignited a firestorm of debate across various platforms and has profoundly influenced how Americans perceive not just sports, but also patriotism and racial issues.
Kaepernick’s protest was marked by his decision to kneel, which many viewed as a challenge to the status quo. His actions have since sparked intense discussions, inviting both backlash and support. As one tweet notes, “Imagine how mad everyone reposting this is going to be when he gets elected anyways.” This sentiment reflects a growing perception that Kaepernick’s activism, despite its controversies, could lead to tangible political change, shaping votes and evolving cultural attitudes.
Researchers Irene Blum, Isabel Awad, Alexandre Diallo, and Jacco van Sterkenburg highlight in their paper how Kaepernick’s protest acted as a catalyst for change among Black athletes, who previously faced a culture of “alleged political apathy.” For years, the narratives surrounding these athletes have been dominated by a desire for a so-called “color-blind” approach. Kaepernick reframed that narrative. He emerged not just as a player but as a key figure in a global movement challenging deep-seated racial issues.
“Kaepernick gave voice to marginalized perspectives,” the study asserts. His ability to shine a light on systemic racism and social injustice set off months of contentious discussion in homes, news outlets, and stadiums alike. With no press conference or official endorsement, Kaepernick used social media platforms to disseminate his message, bypassing traditional media channels. This transition represents a significant shift in athlete behavior, as the old norms of silence and commodification fell away in the wake of his bold stance.
The researchers employ a media ecology framework to illustrate how Kaepernick’s message spread beyond sports circles. When mainstream media overlooked or criticized his protest, digital outlets provided a means for his message to reach millions. His body became a medium for discourse within one of America’s most revered traditions: professional sports. This strategy not only opened doors for other athletes to express political views but also redefined the relationship between sports and political engagement.
However, Kaepernick paid a hefty price for his activism. Since the 2016 season, he has remained unsigned, despite his efforts to stage public workouts and express intentions to return to the NFL. Critics argue that kneeling disrespects the flag, while supporters claim it embodies the essence of true patriotism—standing up against injustice. These divergent perceptions underscore the complex legacy Kaepernick has created.
The influence of his protest extends beyond Kaepernick’s individual actions. Data reveals a noteworthy rise in athlete protests across major sports leagues since 2016. The NBA and soccer leagues worldwide adopted kneeling as a universal symbol of dissent, especially during the George Floyd protests of 2020. By 2021, over 60% of Black athletes in major U.S. leagues had engaged in or endorsed social justice initiatives, a stark contrast to the single-digit figures before Kaepernick’s protest.
Younger athletes are also responding to this climate. A 2023 Pew study shows that nearly half of college athletes now view their platform as an opportunity for political expression, a significant increase from 2015. Kaepernick’s legacy is thus shaping not only current players but also future generations, altering expectations of athletes as figures not just in performance but in cultural and political domains.
Despite ongoing debate about the efficacy of such protests, the impact of Kaepernick’s actions cannot be understated. They have raised vital questions about fairness and authority in society, urging younger generations to take a stance on civic responsibility. The researchers suggest that this approach—while indirect—holds considerable power in reshaping public perceptions.
The backlash against Kaepernick persists. His merchandise continues to thrive online, while he appears in political ads that cast him as either a hero or a villain. As noted in that eye-catching tweet, his potential to gain political power alarms many. This anxiety speaks to the broader fears surrounding the changes he ignited within American discourse.
In the end, Kaepernick’s journey reflects a complex interplay of activism and resistance. While his direct policy impact remains questioned, his contributions to conversations about race, equality, and patriotism are evident and enduring. The discourse he initiated continues to resonate loudly, infusing the broader culture with questions that challenge traditional views and encourage a reexamination of what it means to be an athlete in America today.
"*" indicates required fields
