Kobe Bryant once gave big praise to Colin Kaepernick: 'Having the bravery to be able to do that is something that we should all stand for'

Throughout history, black athletes have been at the forefront of not just sports but also social activism, challenging injustices and advocating for equality. Using their influence, they know they can strive for change in their environment.

Yet, some athletes take their activism to extraordinary levels, transforming their platforms into catalysts for change by showing actions and not just saying them.

Taking actions

In 2016, as racial tensions in the United States reached a boiling point, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick stepped into the spotlight for his bold decision to challenge systemic injustice. After the murders of four black people that summer, Kaepernick sought to make a statement his own way.

During a preseason game, while the national anthem played, he chose to remain seated.

This is one of the numerous bold stances that caught the attention of many, including Kobe Bryant, a figure synonymous with leadership and influence in the NBA. Kobe, no stranger to the intersection of sports and activism, admired Kaepernick's bravery.

"I think what Colin Kaepernick stood for is the epitome of doing what he believes is right," says Bryant. "Now things have been taken out of context and misconstrued; they try to bend it this way that way and miss the point of what it is—the message that she was getting across, and I think having the bravery to be able to do that is something that we should all stand for."

Creating a movement

Kaep's activism did not stop at sitting during the anthem. The former star quarterback also adjusted his protest by kneeling, a gesture intended to maintain his stance against police brutality against the black race.

Bryant, who spent his career navigating the challenges of being a black athlete in a predominantly white country, understood the weight of Colin's decision.

"It's very hard as a black athlete; it's just to sit here and say, 'You know what? We're comfortable. We made it. We have it made. It's okay. We don't have to jump into this thing. It's too much controversy. We don't need it.' Is that the right thing to do? No, it's not," "Bean" said.

Kaepernick's actions became more evident during the 2020 murder of George Floyd, and other black athletes joined the movement. Players wore T-shirts, took a knee during the anthem, and used their platforms to advocate for justice. This collective action underscored the enduring influence of Kaep's original protest.