Following Colin Kaepernick’s lead in protesting social injustice and inequality, many NFL players demonstrated solidarity during NFL opening weekend.
As protests spread and more players bring visibility to issues of social injustice and police violence, the demonstrations have caused controversy, furthering the conversation surrounding freedom and inequality in today’s America.
See the NFL Opening Weekend as documented via social media:
Tennessee Titans Jurrell Casey, Wesley Woodyard and Jason McCourty were captured with raised fists ahead of their game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Seattle Seahawk’s linked arms during the national anthem.
There you go. After all the speculation. Seahawks players & coaches all linked arms in unity during anthem #MIAvsSEA pic.twitter.com/LgfROF5kdB
— Greg Thies | KING5 (@K5Greg) September 11, 2016
Four players – Arian Foster, Jelani Jenkins, Michael Thomas, and Kenny Stills – of the Miami Dolphins knelt on one knee.
Arian Foster, three Dolphins teammates kneel during national anthem: https://t.co/gC9yq0R3JH pic.twitter.com/R0ZRk6oD7W
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) September 11, 2016
Marcus Peter of the Kansas City Chiefs raises a fist, while his team members lock arms.
Marcus Peters with raised fist during Anthem. Locked arms by #Chiefs. No one sat or knelt. #USA pic.twitter.com/zfHgrphj6l
— Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) September 11, 2016
Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots both raised fist during the anthem.
Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty kept their fists in the air after the anthem. pic.twitter.com/VoPWkipGbl
— Rich Hill (@PP_Rich_Hill) September 12, 2016