San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid joined teammate Colin Kaepernick by kneeling during the national anthem before Thursday's game between the 49ers and the host San Diego Chargers.
Kaepernick caused a media firestorm by sitting during the national anthem played before last week's preseason game. He later announced he would continue to sit until racial minorities receive fair treatment in America.
Reid, a 2013 first-round NFL Draft pick, was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season.
Here is #49ers QB Colin Kaepernick tonight during the national anthem in San Diego. Kneeling. pic.twitter.com/QYEVkb7DcV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2016
? RT @AhmedFareedCSN: Kaepernick takes a knee during anthem. Joined by Eric Reid. pic.twitter.com/8a7mPvrdRl
— Ho KIM Muhfukka (@Whoa_Kimbosabe) September 2, 2016
Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid took a seat among all the #49ers on the sideline. They got up after the anthem and embraced.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) September 2, 2016
Kaepernick gave Reid a hug after both stood up, and Nate Boyer also hugged Kaepernick. Several teammates came by to hug Kaepernick, also.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) September 2, 2016
In addition, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane sat during the national anthem played before the Seahawks' game at the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night. Lane was a sixth-round pick by the Seahawks in 2012.
Seahawks DB Jeremy Lane also sat during the national anthem tonight in Oakland. pic.twitter.com/ozT4kohBlo
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 2, 2016
Every member of the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos appeared to stand during the national anthem played before Thursday night's preseason finale in Glendale.
Before the game, Kaepernick was booed as he took the field.
Colin Kaepernick is booed as he takes the field for warmups in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/n2maH6pn29
— USA TODAY Sports (@USATODAYsports) September 2, 2016
Earlier Thursday, photos of Kaepernick wearing socks depicting pigs as police officers last month surfaced online. Kaepernick explained the socks in an Instagram post.
Colin Kaepernick issues statement on his socks with cartoon pigs in police hats. (via kaepernick7/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/4a93oThFQq
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 1, 2016
Former NFL player and Green Beret Nate Boyer, who wrote an open letter in support of Kaepernick's decision, accompanied the 49ers QB on the sidelines Thursday.
Thanks for the invite brother... Good talk. Let's just keep moving forward. This is what America should be all about pic.twitter.com/LgjPpjk173
— Nate Boyer (@NateBoyer37) September 2, 2016
After the game, Kaepernick said he'll donate the first $1 million he makes this season to charities that aid communities in need. Kaepernick is set to make just under $16 million this season.
