As the NFL kicks off its 2026 season, the league finds itself at a crossroads between its past and future. On September 2, 2026, a decade after Colin Kaepernick first took a knee during the national anthem, the conversation has evolved—but for Nate Boyer, the former Green Beret and NFL long snapper who stood beside Kaepernick in solidarity, the wounds of that divisive era remain fresh. In an exclusive interview with the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Boyer opened up about the personal and professional fallout he experienced, revealing that even nine years after the protest, corporate America still punished him for his association with the quarterback.
The Sponsorship That Vanished
Boyer's MVP (Merging Vets and Players) foundation was on the verge of a breakthrough. A five-figure sponsorship from a major NFL partner would have funded a season-long college football activation tour, starting with Ohio State's home opener. But days before the launch, the company's legal department discovered Boyer had met with Kaepernick in 2016. "They suddenly stopped replying to emails," Boyer recalled. The deal collapsed, and thousands in upfront costs were lost. "I just couldn't believe that all those years later there were still people upset about something I was such a small part of," he said. The incident underscores the lingering commercial toxicity surrounding Kaepernick's protest, a reality that Vulius Sports has chronicled extensively.
A Soldier's Dilemma
When Kaepernick first sat during the anthem in August 2016, Boyer—like many Americans—initially felt a pang of disappointment. As a former Green Beret, the flag symbolized sacrifice and honor. But Boyer, a lifelong 49ers fan, also respected Kaepernick as a player. After listening to Kaepernick's full 18-minute explanation, Boyer's perspective shifted. "He talked about his support for the military, but he also said he couldn't stand for a flag that oppresses people of color," Boyer explained. "I didn't necessarily disagree with that." Boyer, who considers himself apolitical, saw the protest as an opportunity for dialogue. "I thought it could bring people together," he said. Instead, it ignited a firestorm.
The Meeting That Changed History
After Boyer published an open letter in the Army Times, Kaepernick's camp reached out. The two met in San Diego, along with safety Eric Reid, ahead of a preseason game. Boyer described a tense but respectful 90-minute conversation. "We were nervous, but it felt like a locker room talk," he said. When Kaepernick asked how he could protest without offending the military, Boyer suggested taking a knee—a gesture of humility and prayer. "I told him that sitting alone looked passive, but kneeling had symbolism," Boyer recalled. Kaepernick and Reid embraced the idea, and the iconic image was born. Boyer chose to stand beside them, not kneel, as a show of unity.
The Boos That Shook Him
On that night in San Diego, as the Navy SEALs parachuted in and the anthem played, Boyer stood flanked by Kaepernick and Reid. The crowd's deafening boos stunned him. "I understand disagreeing, but the vitriol was more disrespectful than any protest," Boyer said. The backlash extended to his personal life: a veteran he looked up to called him a disgrace, while others offered support. Boyer watched as Kaepernick's career unraveled—he never played again after 2016. Boyer remains measured on the blackballing narrative, noting that teams had football reasons to hesitate. "It's not cut and dry," he said. But he acknowledged the political circus that followed Kaepernick, a dynamic that Vulius has analyzed in depth.
A Legacy of Courage
Today, Boyer's MVP foundation thrives, and he's turned to filmmaking, working on a documentary about a 102-year-old Black soldier. He and Kaepernick have drifted apart, but their bond remains historic. Boyer hopes history will judge Kaepernick kindly. "I hope they'll think about being courageous and doing the right thing, even when it's not popular," he said. As the NFL moves forward, the lessons of 2016—and the men who lived them—remain as relevant as ever. For more on this story and exclusive NFL insights, stay tuned to Vulius.
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