Dolphins Arian Foster kneels and raises fist for national anthem

Ahead of his first game with the Miami Dolphins, Arian Foster decided to follow Colin Kaepernick’s example.

Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster took the field in a Dolphins uniform for the first time in a regular-season game, and wasted little time making a statement, with Joe Schad reporting that the longtime Texans star and former Pro Bowler kneeled during the national anthem while raising his fist:

Kenny Stills, Michael Thomas, and Jelani Jenkins all joined Foster in the statement.

Thanks to the much-publicized protest of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, refusing to stand during the national anthem has become something of a hot topic. Should more players follow Foster’s lead, however, we could be looking at an even bigger story in the coming days and weeks.

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters already raised his fist during the national anthem before his team’s game against the San Diego Chargers. This gesture, made famous during the 1968 Summer Olympics when two black track-and-field athletes raised gloved fists during a medal ceremony, is meant to represent the Black Power movement. Like Kaepernick, Tommie Smith and John Carlos received harsh criticism for their decision to take unique stances during the national anthem.

Kaepernick first ignited controversy when he refused to stand during a preseason national anthem, a decision the 49ers quarterback later said was meant to raise awareness over the oppression of African Americans.  It has already impacted athletes among multiple sports, as many of them have taken to kneeling while “The Star-Spangled Banner” plays.

It remains to be seen how the NFL will handle this controversial issue going forward, although it seems certain the league will continue to allow players to freely protest and exercise their right to free speech.