{
  "id": 4650639,
  "title": "A decade after Colin Kaepernick took a knee that led to his exile, the ripple effects continue",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/a-decade-after-colin-kaepernick-took-a-knee-that-led-to-his-exile-the-4650639",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T13:23:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/colin-kaepernick-nfl-national-anthem-808a100d32c0fec506f28c001bbd4a1c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A decade has passed since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem, a move that led to his exile from the NFL. On that fateful night in September 2016, Kaepernick's actions were a reflection of his beliefs and passions, which had remained unchanged since that warm Southern California evening. The decision to take a knee was not a sudden act but rather a manifestation of his long-standing commitment to social issues such as racial injustice, minority oppression, and police brutality.\n\nKaepernick's symbolic protest was not the first time he had defied the traditional standing display of patriotism during the anthem. In the preceding weeks, he had remained seated on the bench during the national anthem in two preseason games. His quiet rebellion was inspired by a conversation with former NFL player and retired Green Beret Nate Boyer, who recommended kneeling as a more respectful gesture towards those who have served in the military.\n\nKaepernick's decision to kneel was not met with public announcement or social media sharing. Instead, he executed his act of defiance silently, with his right knee on the ground, left arm across his left knee, and his gaze fixed on the stage as Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Powell performed \"The Star-Spangled Banner.\" This unassuming approach to protest continued to resonate with those who shared his values, leaving a lasting impact on the world of sports and beyond.",
  "summary": "Nothing about Colin Kaepernick , the football player, changed on that warm Southern…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "A decade after Colin Kaepernick took a knee that led to his exile, the ripple effects continue",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/a-decade-after-colin-kaepernick-took-a-knee-that-led-to-his-exile-the",
        "published": "2026-08-31T10:04:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}