Trump entered the fight almost immediately
On September 1, 2016, Colin Kaepernick dropped to one knee during the American national anthem before the San Francisco 49ers’ preseason game against the San Diego Chargers.
It was the first time he used the gesture that would ultimately become known around the world. Kaepernick had previously remained seated during the anthem, but after speaking with former Green Beret Nate Boyer, he changed the protest to kneeling in an attempt to show greater respect toward military personnel. Eric Reid joined him that night.
Donald Trump had already entered the controversy.
According to a Washington Post report from August 29, 2016, Trump described Kaepernick’s protest as a “terrible thing” and added: “Maybe he should find a country that works better for him.”
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The confrontation only intensified after Trump became president. In September 2017, he publicly called on NFL owners to remove and fire players who protested during the anthem, triggering an extraordinary confrontation between the White House, players and league officials.
Ten years later, the message remains
The irony is difficult to ignore.
Exactly a decade after Kaepernick first knelt, the NFL has decided to continue the type of social justice messaging that later became part of the league’s response to the racial inequality debate.
According to Front Office Sports, the NFL will again display anti-racism and social justice messages on fields and helmets during the 2026 season, marking the seventh consecutive season of the initiative. Messages have included “End Racism,” “Choose Love” and “Inspire Change.”
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Kaepernick himself has not appeared in an NFL regular-season game since the end of the 2016 season.
His protest, however, remains visible.
Trump and the NFL now share a stage
The political figure who once became one of the NFL’s fiercest public critics now has a much warmer relationship with its leadership.
In May 2025, Trump stood alongside commissioner Roger Goodell in the Oval Office as Washington, D.C. was announced as host of the 2027 NFL Draft. Goodell specifically thanked Trump for his support, with the event set to take place around landmarks including the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue.
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Ten years after one kneeling quarterback helped create one of the biggest political battles in American sport, almost every part of the picture has changed.
Kaepernick is gone from the NFL. Trump is back in the White House. Goodell is working with him.
But the message that helped start their conflict never entirely disappeared.
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