Colin Kaepernick Named TIME Person of the Year Runner Up

The former NFL quarterback and activist was recognized for his social justice protests.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback who sparked a wave of protests against racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem, was named a runner-up for TIME's 2017 Person of the Year. Despite facing backlash and having his NFL career derailed, Kaepernick's activism has inspired others to take up his cause and continue the fight for social change.

Why it matters

Kaepernick's protest highlighted the ongoing issues of police brutality and racial inequality in America, sparking a national conversation. His actions, while controversial, demonstrated the power of athletes and public figures to use their platform to advocate for important social issues.

The details

Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality against Black Americans. His actions were met with significant backlash, including from President Trump, and Kaepernick was effectively blacklisted from the NFL. However, his protest inspired many others, including high school and college athletes, to follow suit and kneel or raise fists during the anthem. Kaepernick also donated $1 million to community organizations and charities focused on social justice causes.

  • Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016.
  • In 2017, Kaepernick was named a runner-up for TIME's Person of the Year.
  • Kaepernick continues to train, hoping for another shot at the NFL.

The players

Colin Kaepernick

The former NFL quarterback who sparked a wave of protests against racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem.

Steve Kerr

The Golden State Warriors coach who says Kaepernick and other activist athletes should be considered patriots.

John Carlos

A former track-and-field star whose black-power salute at the 1968 Olympics prompted a similar backlash to Kaepernick's protests.

Common

The artist who spoke at Kaepernick's "Know Your Rights" camp for kids.

Representative John Lewis

A civil rights icon who likens Kaepernick's leadership to that of civil rights leaders like himself.

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What they’re saying

“Where's your heart? Where's your compassion? Whatever side of the Kaepernick issue you're on, if you're helping your fellow man, that's the most important thing.”

— Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors coach

“Colin's trying to reach the far ends of this world. I could have gone to Central Park and did it, but it never would have received the acknowledgment and created the conversation.”

— John Carlos, Former track-and-field star

“Kaepernick showed me, and others around the country, to fight for what you believe in. Don't back down.”

— Gyree Durante, Former quarterback, Albright College

“Colin should be celebrated. His protest has never been about the flag. Human beings are losing their lives. That's the point of it all.”

— Muhibb Dyer, Co-founder, I Will Not Die Young campaign

“There are individuals who come along from time to time, they have what I call an executive session with themselves. He has a sense that this is the right thing to do, right now. For some, it's almost a calling.”

— Representative John Lewis, Civil rights icon

What’s next

Kaepernick continues to train, hoping for another shot at the NFL despite being effectively blacklisted from the league.

The takeaway

Kaepernick's protest, while controversial, demonstrated the power of athletes and public figures to use their platform to advocate for important social issues. His actions have inspired others to continue the fight for racial justice and equality, cementing his legacy as a civil rights leader of this generation.