National Football League

1. Colin Kaepernick takes a knee during national anthem

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:21 p.m. ET

Sports Illustrated

Before the 49ers’ third preseason game, cameras caught Kaepernick taking a knee during the national anthem, which we would later learn was in protest of mass police brutality. What ensued was both a movement and nightmare for the NFL. Players across the league kneeled or raised a fist during the anthem in solidarity while fans interpreting Kaepernick’s act as disrespectful stopped watching the NFL in droves. — Melissa Jacobs