BY JADEN MOUNT
On November 14, former San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick was named ‘Citizen of the Year” by GQ Magazine. GQ, or Gentlemen’s Quarterly, picked Mr. Kaepernick for the award for his contributions to multiple charities and civil rights, including his most publicly supported and condoned action in his career as a player of the National Football League (NFL) – kneeling during the United States’ national anthem.
Kaepernick had originally sat during the anthem, which drew negative attention from many fans across the nation. One particular critic was US Army Veteran and former Seattle Seahawks player, Nate Boyer wrote an open letter to the then 49ers Quarterback, which was published in the Army Times.
Boyer recognized that racism still exists within the US, but was “hurt” by Kaepernick’s action.
“The only time I got to stand on the sideline for the anthem was during my one and only NFL preseason game, against the Denver Broncos. As I ran out of the tunnel with the American flag I could feel myself swelling with pride, and as I stood on the sideline with my hand on my heart as the anthem began, that swelling burst into tears.
I thought about how far I’d come and the men I’d fought alongside who didn’t make it back. I thought about those overseas who were risking their lives at that very moment. I selfishly thought about what I had sacrificed to get to where I was, and while I knew I had little to no chance of making the Seahawks’ roster as a 34-year-old rookie, I was trying.
That moment meant so much more to me than even playing in the game did, and to be honest, if I had noticed my teammate sitting on the bench, it would have really hurt me.”
[See An open letter to Colin Kaepernick, from a Green Beret-turned-long snapper]
Boyer’s piece attracted the attention of Kaepernick. The two eventually had a face to face meeting, where a compromise was reached. Instead of sitting down during the anthem, the quarterback would take a knee. This was approved by Boyer as soldiers take a knee at the graves of fallen comrades to show honor and respect.
Despite the compromise between both men and the adoption of the act by many current NFL players, negative outlooks still dominate the scene, particularly from conservatives; both in politics and media outlets.
TMN took to the campus of Fort Hays State University to gain the opinions of students here on campus.
“I’m really indifferent about it,” said one student. “I believe that an athlete kneeling and getting ‘Citizen of the Year’ isn’t worthy of ‘Citizen of the Year.’ I feel like another person, who has made a much bigger contribution than making a statement by kneeling on a football field, should be nominated.”
Another student stated, “I think they could have picked a better candidate. I feel like he has caused a lot of problems with not only police and stuff, but politics, so maybe they could have picked someone better.”
Kaepernick remains unsigned by any NFL team but continues to gain support from fellow athletes in football and other sports as well as many fans and supporters of the cause at hand. Meanwhile, the NFL has been moving towards punishments and restrictions on players who participate in the kneeling as their profits continue to decline due to a major loss of viewers.
It is too early to determine if any NFL team is willing to sign Kaepernick back on, but whether or not if he returns to the stadium, his message is being heard across the nation.
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