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who told colin kaepernick to kneel ?

### Who Told Colin Kaepernick to Kneel?

In the summer of 2016, Colin Kaepernick made headlines by kneeling during the national anthem before NFL games, drawing significant media attention and sparking national debates on police brutality and systemic racism. But it wasn’t necessarily a decision reached in isolation. A key figure in Kaepernick’s path to nonviolent protest against injustice was Nate Boyer, a former Army Green Beret and NFL player.

#### The Origins of the Protest

The inspiration for Kaepernick’s protest was rooted in personal experience and the broader context of racial tensions in America. Kaepernick has stated that the specific police shooting that pushed him to action was the 2015 killing of Mario Woods, a homeless black man in San Francisco. Woods’s death highlighted for Kaepernick the systemic issues within law enforcement and the sense of injustice that many black Americans felt.

However, Kaepernick mentioned meeting Nate Boyer, a fellow Green Beret who also played in the NFL, after the 2015 incident that inspired the protests. The connection between these two former military members proved pivotal.

#### The Conversation with Nate Boyer

Boyer reached out to Kaepernick via social media with an open letter. The letter, which was later published in the national media, detailed Boyer’s position as a proud soldier and supporter of Kaepernick’s right to protest. His message was one of unity and the importance of standing up for what one believes in, even if it means facing consequences.

When the two met in person, the conversation continued. Boyer recognized Kaepernick’s concern over the treatment of black individuals by police forces—specifically the use of excessive force and racial profiling. He encouraged Kaepernick to voice his concerns openly and boldly, suggesting that kneeling during the national anthem could be a powerful symbol of protest.

#### Consequences and Continued Support

Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem did not come without consequences. He faced widespread backlash from various quarters, including political figures like President Donald Trump, who called the act unpatriotic, and even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who later suspended Kaepernick indefinitely without pay until a resolution to a legal dispute over Kaepernick’s right to play.

Despite the intense criticism, Boyer continued to stand by Kaepernick. He even joined Kaepernick in attending protests and speaking engagements, emphasizing his unwavering support for the cause.

#### Significance of the Protest

Kaepernick’s act of kneeling evolved into a broader societal movement. Many other NFL players joined him in kneeling, and the protest spread beyond the athletic arena into the national consciousness. The “Take a Knee” movement became a symbol of resistance against police brutality, racial inequality, and the fight for justice.

#### Long-Term Impact

Boyer’s role in framing Kaepernick’s protest as both a patriotic act and a form of peaceful protest was significant. It demonstrated that even those who had served their country could recognize the importance of standing against systemic injustices. The decision to kneel during the national anthem galvanized the debate about race and rights in America, making Kaepernick an icon of the resistance movement.

The story of Colin Kaepernick and Nate Boyer serves as a reminder of the power of conversation, solidarity, and standing up for what you believe in.

#### Conclusion

The act of kneeling during the national anthem became more than a football debate; it was a movement that brought attention to critical issues of racial justice and police reform. Nate Boyer, a fellow soldier, was instrumental in translating Kaepernick’s personal sentiments into a widely recognized form of protest. Their combined efforts underscore the importance of mutual respect, dialogue, and taking a stand against injustice—legends forever tied to the cause of equality and justice in America.

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**References:**

1. [ABC7 News](https://abc7news.com › colin-kaepernick-nfl-apology-to-when-did-start-kneeling-49ers ›)
2. [NPR](https://www.npr.org › the-veteran-and-nfl-player-who-advised-kaepernick-to-take-a-knee)
3. [Task & Purpose](https://taskandpurpose.com › news › nfl-kneeling-debate-kaepernick-boyer)
4. [CBS Sports](https://www.cbssports.com › nfl › news › heres-how-nate-boyer-got-colin-kaepernick-to-go-from-sitting-to-kneeling)
5. [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com › green-beret-who-suggested-colin-kaepernick-kneel-surprised-by-backlash-2020-6?op=1)
6. [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com › news › us-news › colin-kaepernick-reveals-specific-police-shooting-led-him-kneel-n1044306)
7. [AZ Central](https://www.azcentral.com › story › opinion › op-ed › ej-montini › 2018 › 09 › 08 › colin-kaepernick-nate-boyer-nfl-anthem-protest › 1217655002)
8. [CNN](https://www.cnn.com › colin-kaepernick-mario-woods-paper-magazine › index.html)
9. [Sporting News](https://www.sportingnews.com › us › nfl › news › colin-kaepernick-kneeling-protest-timeline › xktu6ka4diva1s5jxaylrcsse)
10. [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk › sport › american-football › 41530732)

**Video Reference:**

10. [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBdoDOXMWkg) (Lesoutrali Bot)

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This blog post summarizes the key points of how Nate Boyer encouraged Colin Kaepernick to kneel during the national anthem, a decision that would go on to cause a ripple effect throughout the NFL and American society at large.