Will fans protest football games in 2018

The context of 2018 football protests

The 2018 NFL season was marked by continued protests, primarily stemming from the kneeling during the national anthem movement. This movement, initially started by Colin Kaepernick in 2016 to raise awareness about racial injustice and police brutality, gained widespread attention and controversy. By 2018, the protests had evolved, encompassing various forms of demonstration and sparking debates about patriotism, free speech, and the role of athletes in social activism.

Reasons behind the protests

Several factors fueled the protests during the 2018 football season:

• Racial Injustice: The core issue remained the pervasive problem of racial inequality within the United States. Athletes used their platform to highlight instances of police brutality against African Americans and advocate for criminal justice reform.
• Social Justice Issues: Protests expanded to encompass broader social justice concerns, including gender inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic disparity.
• Political Climate: The political climate under the Trump administration further intensified the protests. President Trump's criticism of the kneeling players and his calls for owners to fire them added fuel to the fire, galvanizing both supporters and opponents of the protests. For example, his tweets directly targeting specific players and the NFL as a whole generated significant media attention and public discussion.
• Player Activism: Many players felt a moral obligation to use their platform to advocate for social change. They saw themselves as role models with a responsibility to speak out against injustice and inspire action within their communities.

Forms and variations of protests

While kneeling during the anthem remained the most visible form of protest, other demonstrations emerged:

• Raised Fists: Players raised their fists during the anthem, a gesture popularized during the Civil Rights Movement.
• Linking Arms: Players, coaches, and owners linked arms as a sign of unity and solidarity. This was often done to show support for the players' right to protest while also attempting to present a unified front to the public.
• Team Statements: Teams issued statements expressing their commitment to social justice and outlining their plans to address community issues.
• Community Involvement: Many players and teams engaged in community outreach programs, supporting local charities and initiatives aimed at addressing social problems. For instance, the Philadelphia Eagles, a team known for its strong player activism, significantly increased its community engagement efforts in 2018.

Fan reactions and boycotts

Fan reactions to the protests were mixed and often highly polarized. Some fans applauded the players for using their platform to advocate for social justice. Others felt the protests were disrespectful to the flag, the military, and the country. This division led to:

• Declining TV Ratings: While many factors influence TV ratings, some attributed a decline in viewership to fan boycotts related to the protests. While correlation doesn't equal causation, there was demonstrable overlap between periods of intense protest and ratings dips.
• Empty Seats: Some stadiums experienced noticeable empty seats, allegedly due to fans choosing not to attend games in protest of the player demonstrations.
• Social Media Backlash: The protests sparked intense debates on social media, with fans expressing their opinions and engaging in heated arguments.
• Positive Reactions: Conversely, the protests also attracted new fans who admired the players' courage and commitment to social justice.

Long-term impact and legacy

The protests during the 2018 football season had a lasting impact on the NFL and the broader social landscape. While the kneeling protests largely subsided in subsequent years, the issues of racial injustice and social activism remain central to the conversation surrounding professional sports.

The NFL has taken steps to address these issues, including:

• Supporting Social Justice Initiatives: The league has committed significant financial resources to supporting organizations working on racial justice, criminal justice reform, and other social causes.
• Promoting Player Activism: The NFL has created platforms for players to share their stories and advocate for social change.
• Community Outreach Programs: Teams have continued to invest in community outreach programs aimed at addressing local needs and building stronger relationships with their communities.

The legacy of the 2018 protests is a reminder of the power of athletes to use their platform to raise awareness and inspire change. While the debates surrounding these protests continue, they have undoubtedly contributed to a broader national conversation about social justice and the role of sports in society.