NFL Players Join Colin Kaepernick in National Anthem Protest

Several players in the NFL protested during the playing of the national anthem this weekend, in solidarity with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

On Sunday, ahead of the game between the Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks, Dolphins running back Arian Foster, along with linebacker Jelani Jenkins, receiver Kenny Stills and safety Michael Thomas all kneeled during the anthem, a direct call to Kaepernick, who has refused to stand during the national anthem before games in protest of the treatment of minorities in the U.S.

In a statement the Dolphins said they respected their players’ right to protest.

On the other side of the field, the Seahawks linked arms and stood for the anthem. Last week, cornerback Jeremy Lane sat out during the national anthem in a similar act of protest to Kaepernick.

Also on Sunday, Kansas City Chiefs Cornerback Marcus Peters raised his fist during the national anthem before a game against the San Diego Chargers as the Chiefs locked arms and stood together.

Three New England Patriots players showed support during a late Sunday game, as tight end Martellus Bennett and safety Devin McCourty held their fists in the air after the national anthem played.

Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall lost an endorsement deal after kneeling during the national anthem on Thursday to support Kaepernick. The Air Academy Federal Union cut its endorsement deal with the player.