Baker Mayfield Reveals He'll Kneel During National Anthem in 2020 in Snarky IG Comment
By Michael Luciano
The NFL is expected to see a major surge in protests during the 2020 season, with several big-name players and coaches confirming that they will take part in this league-wide movement. Another high-profile name joined the fray in Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield confirmed on Instagram that he will indeed be among those kneeling during the national anthem to protest police misconduct and racial inequality.
Browns QB Baker Mayfield says in an Instagram comment he absolutely will be kneeling this season (as @Pchopz_ noted). pic.twitter.com/RUahohf3ze
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 13, 2020
Mayfield, who is looking for a bounce-back season under Kevin Stefanski following an up-and-down 2019 with Freddie Kitchens at the helm, explained that his decision to kneel stems from his desire to see major reform within American police departments. He added he has the "utmost respect for our military, cops, and people that serve OUR country."
Mayfield said he is willing to lose fans from this decision if it means that he is able to publicly speak his mind and stand up for what he believes in, which deserves all the praise in the world.
“If I lose fans, that’s okay. I’ve always spoken my mind. And that’s from the heart.”@bakermayfield on fans being upset with him for planning to kneel this season @brgridiron pic.twitter.com/kyG9M28DRS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 13, 2020
The 2020 season is sure to see more kneeling during the anthem than during the 2016 season due to the current social climate. Mayfield is going out on a limb by joining the protesting crowd, but he has never been one to mince his words or back down.