It’s been a decade since former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked headlines — and fairly a little bit of ire and controversy — over his makes an attempt to have an uncomfortable dialog about social justice reform.
Kaepernick felt that one of the best ways to go about his trigger was to kneel throughout the conventional efficiency of “The Star-Spangled Banner” earlier than main sports activities video games.
These antics did not go over well, with swaths of Individuals who felt that Kaepernick’s demonstration was past disrespectful to the U.S. flag and nation.
It was a authentic PR nightmare for the NFL, as its viewership took a noticeable hit throughout Kaepernick’s protests.
These scores have since rebounded, and, to be clear, “unhealthy” NFL scores are nonetheless multiples greater than different tv programming.
However that doesn’t imply the NFL has any curiosity in revisiting that controversy anytime quickly.
Alas, the web was none too happy with the NFL this week after an precise star quarterback (Kaepernick was largely a back-up in 2016) was seen “disrespecting” America throughout Monday Night time Soccer.
The Chicago Bears, minus their star quarterback Caleb Williams, stomped everywhere in the Philadelphia Eagles in a 27-7 house win.
Williams is out with a hamstring harm, however nonetheless accompanied the crew forward of the large primetime match-up.
The NFL opened up Monday evening’s festivities with a mariachi band enjoying the nationwide anthem (which drew its personal criticisms).
See for those who can spot “Iceman” (a nickname which Williams has been making an attempt to raise from NBA legend George Gervin) throughout this recital:
The Mariachi Herencia de México carried out the nationwide anthem in Chicago 🎶 pic.twitter.com/6Sv20SBqIr
— ESPN (@espn) September 29, 2026
For those who quick ahead to proper concerning the 49-second mark, you’ll be able to clearly see Williams in his sweats, carrying sun shades, and casually strolling on the sideline. That was in stark juxtaposition to the opposite Bears and Eagles gamers and coaches, who had been standing at consideration for the anthem.
Christian sports activities pundit Jon Root truly had little subject with the mariachi band. His focus was on Williams.
“I could also be within the minority right here, however I assumed the mariachi band enjoying the USA Nationwide Anthem for Monday [Night] Soccer was kinda cool,” Root posted. “The issue folks ought to have is Caleb Williams disrespecting the flag by strolling round throughout the Anthem.”
Different X customers echoed these sentiments, with one posting: “Caleb Williams too good for the nationwide anthem? Simply wandering the sideline.”
Notably, this isn’t the primary time that Williams has been questioned about his habits throughout the nationwide anthem.
As Fox News identified, Williams was equally grilled final season when he was noticed hamming it up with a teammate throughout “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
10/10 Nationwide Anthem. No notes. pic.twitter.com/byEsg27xzE
— NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2025
The Bears will host the woeful New York Jets on Sunday. Williams is just not anticipated to play, as he continues to get well from his harm.
This text appeared initially on The Western Journal.
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