BEVO BEAT Football
Open letter from Nate Boyer to Colin Kaepernick garners praise
Posted August 31st, 2016
By now just about everyone in the sports world, and beyond, has weighed in on Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem. Former Green Beret and Longhorns deep snapper Nate Boyer decided to offer his thoughts on Tuesday.
Boyer wrote an open letter to Kaepernick in an opinion piece for ArmyTimes.com. In it he expressed that he knew Kaepernick was supportive of American troops, citing a message the 49ers quarterback wrote on an auctioned football for a charity Boyer works with. He also acknowledged that racism is still a big problem in the U.S.
Kaepernick has received some harsh criticism and some support following his protest. Of all the reactions, however, the one from Boyer seems to have struck a chord with those supportive, and critical, of Kaepernick.
Here’s how he concluded his letter:
I’m not judging you for standing up for what you believe in. It’s your inalienable right. What you are doing takes a lot of courage, and I’d be lying if I said I knew what it was like to walk around in your shoes. I’ve never had to deal with prejudice because of the color of my skin, and for me to say I can relate to what you’ve gone through is as ignorant as someone who’s never been in a combat zone telling me they understand what it’s like to go to war.
Even though my initial reaction to your protest was one of anger, I’m trying to listen to what you’re saying and why you’re doing it. When I told my mom about this article, she cautioned me that “the last thing our country needed right now was more hate.” As usual, she’s right.
There are already plenty people fighting fire with fire, and it’s just not helping anyone or anything. So I’m just going to keep listening, with an open mind.
I look forward to the day you’re inspired to once again stand during our national anthem. I’ll be standing right there next to you. Keep on trying … De Oppresso Liber.
Translated, de oppresso liber means, “to free the oppressed,” and is the motto of the U.S. Army Special Forces.
The positive reaction to Boyer’s message started rolling in on social media after it was posted.
This is a very thoughtful take on the Colin Kaepernick story by Green Beret/former #Texas FB player @NateBoyer37: https://t.co/eiYlkj4D2B
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) August 31, 2016
PLEASE READ!!!! https://t.co/TPtROvACSU
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) August 31, 2016
agreed–this is really well done, @NateBoyer37 https://t.co/c0lL4I2EF5
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 30, 2016
I really appreciate this take on the @Kaepernick7 by @NateBoyer37 Great writing Nate. https://t.co/KWqZQb13tB
— Alex Flanagan (@Alex_Flanagan) August 31, 2016
–@NateBoyer37 for President!https://t.co/alTIOSLhrT
— Bill Jones (@CBS11BillJones) August 31, 2016
Very proud of my partner here @NateBoyer37. Give this a read RT @SarahASmith_: This open letter to (cont) https://t.co/YZYQigsm9X
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) August 31, 2016
I had a reaction and then an opinion on Kaepernick. Then I read this. @NateBoyer37 with an amazing open letter. https://t.co/P2tU3ArWzd
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) August 31, 2016
Nice job by my friend @NateBoyer37 🇺🇸 https://t.co/BUppAxJNEu
— Sage Steele (@sagesteele) August 31, 2016
This essay on Kaepernick by @NateBoyer37 is fantastic https://t.co/EaS1J4zIlD
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) August 31, 2016
Some former Longhorns appreciated Boyer’s words as well.
You'll always be one of my favorite people in the world @NateBoyer37 so much respect for you brother! https://t.co/VxxiY6IiwR
— Nino (@qdiggs6) August 31, 2016
Great read @NateBoyer37 glad I got the chance to play alongside you. https://t.co/nLZJmyinvB
— G1 Savage (@kennyvaccaro) August 31, 2016
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