Eric Reid, a defensive back with the Carolina Panthers, took a knee on the field on Sunday during the national anthem before a game against the New York Giants.
The game marked Reid’s return to the NFL after an uncertain few months as a free agent which he believes were because of his continued protests against racism and police brutality.
Reid’s contract with the San Francisco 49ers expired in March and he remained unsigned until two weeks ago, when he joined the Panthers on a one-year contract.
The news of Reid rejoining the NFL came amid speculation by some fans and players that the 26-year-old had not been signed due to his activism on the field.
“I think we all know why he hasn’t received a call,” Carolina Panthers wide receiver Torrey Smith, a member of the NFL Players Coalition, said days before Reid was signed by the Panthers, echoing a suggestion previously made by others in the coalition, including Devin McCourty from the New England Patriots, and Malcolm Jenkins from the Philadelphia Eagles.
“The notion that I can be a great signing for your team for cheap, not because of my skill set but because I’ve protested systemic oppression, is ludicrous,” Reid tweeted in March.
Reid was the first to join teammate Colin Kaepernick in taking a knee during the National Anthem in 2016.
He continued his protest even after Kaepernick’s contract wasn’t renewed at the end of the 2016 season, and he and other players who followed suit have become targets of President Donald Trump, who launched an ongoing battle with the NFL in September 2017 for allowing the protests. In August of this year, Trump said that players who don’t take a knee should be “suspended without pay.”
Reid and Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL in May, claiming that league owners colluded to keep them from playing because of their protests on the field.
Reid said last week he wasn’t sure whether his protests for social justice would include taking a knee during the national anthem but added that he doesn’t plan on dropping his grievance against the NFL even after getting signed.
Kaepernick, who has remained unsigned, has continued to work for social justice issues, becoming a symbol of the modern civil rights movement.
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On Sunday, Kaepernick tweeted his support for Reid’s protest.
“My Brother @E_Reid35, with @KSTiLLS and @iThinkIsee12, continue to take a knee against systemic oppression. They are unwavering in their conviction! #ImWithReid,” former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick tweeted on Sunday, in support of Reid.
ABC News has reached out to the NFL for a request for comment, but a call was not immediately returned.
