Who would have thought that NFL athletes would be so antagonized by the President of the United States that over 200 would decide to join the protest against police brutality and oppression that was started by Colin Kaepernick last season?
As recently as August, there were still a significant number of NFL players speaking out against Kaep. So much so that the entire dialectic became about his ability to play the game instead of his right to free speech.
The Shadow League on Twitter
Bob Costas “People cannot see that in his own way Colin Kaepernick, however imperfectly, is doing a patriotic thing” https://t.co/k13qfJkP92
The number of current and former Black NFL players who came out against the protest seemed to increase as the season grew nearer, perhaps in part due to the steadily rising outrage of Kaep not being signed. Meanwhile, unqualified and under-qualified signal callers from all over the place have found an NFL home.
With the classless nature with which the current POTUS makes his feelings known via social media, anyone who wishes to investigate can see the tendencies of an antiquated man with antiquated views.
Initially, his disdain fell directly on Colin Kaepernick. However, recently, he unleashed his Fuhrer-like fervor against those sons of bitches in the NBA and the NFL who stand with Colin and against oppression.
Today, we awaken to the reality that was virtually unfathomable just last year. A reality that many players from all over the political spectrum have decided to resist hate, to resist white supremacy and to fight for true freedom, justice and equality for all.
The following is a tally of games featuring players who protested and stepped into the history books, guided by the conscience and the desire for a better tomorrow.
Erick Fernandez on Twitter
This is absolutely brutal to watch this grown man in tears because his humanity is not respected. https://t.co/qO4DfsR0WR
Oakland Raiders at Washington Redskins: Roughly 50 Raiders sat or kneeled, plus six Redskins.
Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts: About 24.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles: At least three (and three other players raising their fists).
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills: About 35, including Bills RB LeSean McCoy and about half of the Broncos’ roster.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings: At least two, including Bucs WRs Mike Evans and Desean Jackson.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots: About 16.
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers: At least 15.
Tyler R. Tynes on Twitter
During Chiefs-Chargers, Travis Kelce is maybe the most prominent white player to kneel today. Several Chargers players kneeling, too.
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets: At least four, including Dolphins WR Kenny Stills and OT Laremy Tunsil.
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: About 12, including Saints RB Adrian Peterson.
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions: About 10, including Lions RB Ameer Abdullah.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears: The Steelers stayed in the tunnel, although Army veteran Alejandro Villanueva stood outside the tunnel with his hand over his heart.
Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers: Three Packers and no Bengals.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars in London: About 24, including Ravens LB Terrell Suggs and Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette.
