Colin Kaepernick on 10 Years Since the Knee: 'I Would Do It Again'

BBC Sport · 2026-10-27
Colin Kaepernick on 10 Years Since the Knee: 'I Would Do It Again'

Ten years after first taking a knee during the national anthem, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick says he has no regrets about the protest that made him a global symbol of activism and cost him his playing career. In a rare interview with BBC Sport, his first with the outlet since the gesture, Kaepernick reflects on the personal and professional price of his stand against racial injustice. He was effectively exiled from the NFL after the 2016 season, and no team has signed him since, despite widespread acknowledgment of his talent. Kaepernick's decision to kneel sparked a movement that reached far beyond sports, influencing athletes worldwide and igniting national debate. Speaking a decade on, he remains steadfast: 'I would do it again.' The interview marks a significant moment as Kaepernick continues to advocate for social change through his Know Your Rights Camp and other initiatives. His story underscores the enduring tension between protest and patriotism in American sports. Kaepernick's legacy is still being written, but his impact on athlete activism is undeniable.