Colin Kaepernick's Activism Shapes Super Bowl 2026

From NFL protest to cultural icon, Kaepernick's influence looms large over the big game.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Nearly a decade after sparking a national conversation by kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, Colin Kaepernick's activism has evolved into a powerful movement that has reshaped the landscape of sports and social justice in the United States. As the 2026 Super Bowl approaches, Kaepernick's legacy is expected to loom large, with performers and attendees anticipated to use the high-profile event as a platform to voice opposition to current political figures and policies.

Why it matters

Kaepernick's initial protest, which cost him his NFL career, has since inspired a new generation of athlete activists, with the kneeling gesture becoming a symbol of solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement. The Super Bowl, as a major cultural event, has increasingly become a stage for artists to express their views on social and political issues, further amplifying the role of sports in driving social change.

The details

After leaving the NFL, Kaepernick has transitioned into full-time activism, founding a publishing house dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and maintaining a significant online presence. The 2026 Super Bowl is expected to continue the trend of performers using the high-profile event to advocate for causes they believe in, with artists like Green Day and Bad Bunny demonstrating a willingness to voice opposition to political figures and policies.

  • Nearly a decade ago, in 2016, Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality.
  • In June 2020, following the death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter movement gained unprecedented momentum, with athletes from various sports adopting the kneeling protest as a symbol of solidarity.
  • The 2026 Super Bowl is scheduled to take place on Monday, February 3, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The players

Colin Kaepernick

A former NFL quarterback who sparked a national conversation by kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who publicly criticized Kaepernick's protest and called for NFL team owners to 'fire' him.

Green Day

A punk rock band known for using their platform to advocate for social and political causes.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican rapper and singer who has demonstrated a willingness to use his platform to voice opposition to political figures and policies.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The 2026 Super Bowl is expected to feature continued activism and protest, with performers and attendees using the high-profile event to voice their opposition to current political figures and policies.

The takeaway

Kaepernick's initial protest has evolved into a powerful movement that has reshaped the landscape of sports and activism in the United States, with the Super Bowl becoming an increasingly prominent platform for artists to express their views on social and political issues.