Which NFL quarterback originated the protest gesture associated with #TakeAKnee?

Colin Kaepernick originated the NFL protest gesture associated with #TakeAKnee. In 2016, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback knelt during the U.S. national anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality in the United States.

Kaepernick initially sat during the anthem before changing to kneeling after discussing the gesture with former Green Beret Nate Boyer, who suggested that kneeling would be a more respectful form of protest. On September 1, 2016, Kaepernick and teammate Eric Reid knelt together during the anthem.

The gesture quickly spread to other NFL players and later to athletes around the world. It became especially prominent after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized kneeling players in 2017, prompting many more athletes to participate. The protest is often mistakenly described as opposition to the flag or military service; Kaepernick said its purpose was to draw attention to racial injustice and police violence.