EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. _ Three Miami Dolphins players knelt or raised their fist during the playing of the national anthem before Sunday's road game against the New York Jets. The Dolphins are the only NFL team continuing the protest former quarterback Colin Kaepernick started for a third consecutive season.
Receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson knelt behind their teammates during the playing of the anthem, and defensive end Robert Quinn raised his right fist in the air, continuing a protest designed to create awareness for social justice issues that plague people of color in America, particularly police brutality.
This is the third season Dolphins players have made this political statement during the national anthem, starting in the 2016 opener when Stills, tailback back Arian Foster, linebacker Jelani Jenkins and safety Michael Thomas kneeled during the national anthem.
Stills and Albert plan to kneel all season.
"It's not going to change," said Stills, who visited Miami's VA Hospital along with Wilson last Tuesday to greet veterans. "Activism isn't something you just kind of get involved in and then turn your back on it. Once your eyes are open to some of the things that are happening, you continue to work and try to grow and create change for the rest of your life. It's something I'm committed to forever."
In Kaepernick's absence last season several NFL players continued the protests he started, but few appear inclined to do this season.
Oakland Raiders tailback Marshawn Lynch remained seated during the anthem before last week's Monday night game.
San Francisco 49ers receiver Marquise Goodwin reportedly raised a fist like Quinn, and Denver receiver Demaryius Thomas and linebacker Brandon Marshall have been staying off the sidelined during the playing of the anthem.
