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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will be among the ranks of players taking a knee during the national anthem when the 2020 season commences.
Murray told reporters he plans to kneel in protest of police brutality and racial inequality.
#Cardinals QB Kyler Murray told reporters that he will kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality and social injustice.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 17, 2020
Players from around the NFL have confirmed they will be kneeling in protest, at the very least to start the year. These protests will not be conducted strictly around racial lines, either.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield recently said he will “absolutely” be kneeling, adding he did not care how fans felt about the message. Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt did not necessarily confirm he was going to kneel, but he assertively stated the gesture has nothing to do with disrespecting the flag or military personnel.
A) don’t speak for me
B) if you still think it’s about disrespecting the flag or our military, you clearly haven’t been listening https://t.co/tnsEq5D9WC
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 13, 2020
The murder of George Floyd has had a massive impact on social activism not only among common citizens, but also professional athletes and sports leagues.
Commissioner Roger Goodell previously said the NFL mishandled player protests in the past. This was a reference to former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the 2016 season, which essentially led to him being cast out of the NFL.
Goodell's initial statement did not name Kaepernick, specifically. However, he has since said he would “encourage” any interested team to sign Kaepernick.
Needless to say, the NFL's stance on peaceful protests has shifted quite a bit. Murray is likely to be joined by a community of players choosing to kneel.
The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year will also be hoping to lead the Cardinals to a surprising playoff run after Arizona made a slew of offseason additions.
