Will other NFL players protest national anthem like Colin Kaepernick?

The sports world is talking about Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit during the national anthem of Friday’s game. He won’t be the first or last protester.

Colin Kaepernick set off a storm of questions about what it means to protest and the meaning of the “Star-Spangled Banner” at NFL games and sporting events when he decided to stay seated during its playing at Friday’s preseason game.

Kaepernick is not the first athlete to sit during the national anthem as a form of protest. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf did it in the NBA in protest of U.S. foreign policy. Kaepernick said he did it in protest of the treatment of African-Americans and minorities in the country and the growing frustrations within that community.

The message has been one that has permeated sports. And the 49ers were surprisingly understanding, releasing a statement that seemed to support Kaepernick’s right to express himself in this manner.

It seems only social media and Twitter are up in arms about Kaepernick’s decision not to stand during the national anthem. The tropes about millionaire athletes not “respecting the flag” are out in full force. That is a debate for another time and another space.

This is a different time, though. Athletes around the sports world are speaking out. The corporate nature of athletes and their concern over being the most marketable players is changing. Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony led off the ESPYS with a message about equality and gun violence. Carmelo Anthony led town hall meetings about police violence and community relations.

Athletes are more present politically and with modern issues. They are speaking up and using their influence to try to affect positive change. Or at least start a conversation.

Kaepernick is not necessarily leading the charge. He is following the lead of other athletes — past and present — in getting his message out there. Others will surely follow. Whether they do so in this specific way for this specific cause remains to be seen.

There is still the “stick to sports” crowd. They want to see sports as an escape and believe the millions of dollars these players receive should anesthetize them from the world. That is no longer how athletes see themselves. They see themselves as part of the world. And a visible one at that.

The only difference here is Kaepernick does not have the protection of being a star or a necessary player. It is easier for James and Paul and Wade and Anthony to speak out. They are the centerpieces to their team.

When Abdul-Rauf refused to stand for the national anthem, he was a role player. He quickly found himself suspended and out of a job. Kaepernick, now coming off the bench for the 49ers and perhaps in jeopardy of a roster spot, could see himself out of the league. As Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman points out, while players support Kaepernick’s decision, executives don’t.

That makes his sacrifice perhaps a little more meaningful. It may truly be a sacrifice. Certainly, one that could change his career. Kaepernick seems ready to accept that. There may be some NFL players during Week Four of the preseason who stand — or sit — in solidarity with Kaepernick. There will certainly be others who make political statements in the future.

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The new world of social media allows players to express themselves and gain great power. And, especially in this election year, there is a lot to talk about and discuss. Athletes, including Kaepernick, have shown they will not be silent. And that does not seem ready to change.