During last year’s preseason, former 49er’s quarterback Colin Kaepernick did something neither the NFL nor any other professional sports league had never seen before. He decided to take a knee during the singing of the National Anthem, protesting the treatment of African Americans and people of color in America. The protest got mixed reactions, but many agree that the protest cost Kaepernick his job, as he wasn’t signed to a team this year during free agency. Kaepernick’s action led to many more athletes participating in the protests.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said

President Trump recently spoke harshly on the topic of protests at a rally in Alabama, he also took to Twitter to voice his opinion.

“Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our Country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable,” Trump tweeted.  

Trump also stated that he wants NFL team owners to fire or release any player who decides to join in on the protests. These comments only caused a large spike in the number of players who participated in the protests during the games this weekend.  

Since Kaepernick first took a knee NFL players have thought of different ways to display what they believe in. For example three Eagle’s players stood with a fist in the air before their game and other teams stood together with arms locked. Pittsburgh Steeler’s coach Mike Tomlin even decided that his team would not partake in the National Anthem ceremonies before their game against the Bears. As the season continues we will keep an eye out for any further protests and how the NFL handles them.