<P> Kaepernick began sitting during the national anthem at the start of the 2016 NFL preseason . His actions went unnoticed for two weeks before he was questioned by the media . In the 49ers ' final 2016 preseason game on September 1 , 2016 , after talking to Boyer , Kaepernick opted to kneel during the U.S. national anthem rather than sit as he did in their previous games . He explained his decision to switch was an attempt to show more respect to former and current U.S. military members while still protesting during the anthem . Reid joined Kaepernick in kneeling during the national anthem during the final preseason game . Seattle Seahawks player Jeremy Lane also did not stand for the anthem during his final preseason game the same day , stating , `` It 's something I plan to keep on doing until justice is being served . '' </P>
<P> Kaepernick began sitting during the national anthem at the start of the 2016 NFL preseason . His actions went unnoticed for two weeks before he was questioned by the media . In the 49ers ' final 2016 preseason game on September 1 , 2016 , after talking to Boyer , Kaepernick opted to kneel during the U.S. national anthem rather than sit as he did in their previous games . He explained his decision to switch was an attempt to show more respect to former and current U.S. military members while still protesting during the anthem . Reid joined Kaepernick in kneeling during the national anthem during the final preseason game . Seattle Seahawks player Jeremy Lane also did not stand for the anthem during his final preseason game the same day , stating , `` It 's something I plan to keep on doing until justice is being served . '' </P>
when did the first football player take a knee
when did the first football player take a knee
September 1 , 2016
September 1 , 2016