The Colin Kaepernick National Anthem Controversy began in 2016 when the San Francisco 49ers quarterback chose to sit, and later kneel, during the U.S. national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. The image of Kaepernick taking a knee became a powerful cultural symbol, sparking intense national debate across political and sporting spheres. In meme culture, the imagery is used both to support civil rights movements and to critique professional sports, often surfacing alongside discussions about the First Amendment and corporate branding, notably after Nike's 'Believe in something' campaign featuring his face.