Former quarterback star and current anti-racism activist Colin Kaepernick is still surprised by the global impact of his silent gesture of protest at NFL games in the USA.
Of course he knew that racism was a global problem, the 36-year-old told GQ magazine. “But the way these actions have spread across the world surprised me. I didn’t know that the problem was so deeply rooted in so many countries. I don’t think anyone could have predicted these reactions,” Kaepernick said.
The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, who led the team to the Super Bowl final in 2013, knelt during the playing of the anthem before NFL games in 2016 in protest against everyday racism and police violence in the USA. For this he was exposed to hostility and was fired by his team.
The protest gesture spread worldwide. Footballers, among others, also knelt at international matches, in the English Premier League and in the Bundesliga to take a stand against racism and exclusion.
On the one hand, it is “tragic that such actions are even needed. On the other hand, it makes me optimistic to see how many people recognize the reality of what is happening in the world. That opens up the possibility of this reality to change and ensure a better future,” said Kaepernick.
He himself has now founded numerous initiatives in the USA and financially supported projects that combat racism and exclusion. He was named “Men of the Year” in the sports category by “GQ” magazine for his commitment last year in Berlin.