Colin Kaepernick isn’t the only player choosing not to stand during “The Star-Spangled Banner” anymore.
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback, who has made headlines for sitting during the national anthem, decided to take a knee Thursday night during the anthem prior to a road preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.
Kaepernick was joined in his kneel by teammate Eric Reid, and both did so next to Nate Boyer, a Green Beret-turned-long snapper who wrote an open letter to Kaepernick about his decision to sit during the anthem. Kaepernick said during a postgame news conference, aired on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” that he and Reid met with Boyer — who was invited to the sidelines by Kaepernick — and had a long conversation about how he could continue the protest without the action taking away from the message. The group decided on taking a knee.
Elsewhere in the NFL, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane joined Kaepernick’s protest prior to his team’s game against the Oakland Raiders by sitting on the bench during the national anthem. According to multiple reports, he was the only player on either sideline to do so.
Lane discussed his decision after the game, as did his coach, Pete Carroll.
Reporters asked Kaepernick after Thursday’s win over the Chargers if he was aware that Lane had joined the protest. He said that he hadn’t, adding “I’m very happy. I’m very proud of him for doing it.”
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Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
