Michael Bennett will sit for the national anthem in support of racial equality

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett has never shied away from speaking his mind. On Sunday, Bennett did just that as he explained to reporters exactly why he’ll remain seated for the national anthem this season.

Bennett said the purpose of his protest is to help fight racial inequality and its consequences in our society.

“I hope that I can activate everybody to get off their hands and feet and go out into the communities and push helping each other,” Bennett said, via NFL Network’s Steve Wyche. “Sit down with somebody that’s the opposite sex, sit down with somebody that’s the opposite race, different religion and understand that people are different and go out and join the community and try to change the society, change what you’re a part of. If you don’t like it, keep changing it.”

Colin Kaepernick sparked discussion and controversy last year when people noticed he was kneeling for the national anthem before the 49ers’ preseason games. Kaepernick’s protest was specifically targeted to raise awareness about the problem of police brutality against minorities and inequality on a larger scale.

Kaepernick has become the face of this movement, and it’s carried consequences. He has said he won’t continue his protest this season, but he remains a free agent anyway while players like Thad Lewis and Jay Cutler have landed with teams.

Bennett expects repercussions from his protest, also.

“Of course I’m going to face backlash. This is bigger than me. This is bigger than football. This is bigger than anything that we have any different. This is about people. This is about bringing opportunities to people, giving people equality. This is bigger than a sport,” Bennett said.

Bennett’s protest doesn’t target law enforcement or the military. The tragic outcome of the recent violent protests in Charlottesville, Va., did play a role. But it’s bigger than any one thing for Bennett.

”Charlottesville had a lot to do with it, but I think it’s just the journey of who I am as a person,” Bennett said. “I think everybody has a time where they feel like they need to be who they are and stand up for what they believe in.”

Marshawn Lynch, Bennett’s former teammate with the Seahawks, remained seated for the national anthem before the Raiders’ preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday. It’s unclear whether Lynch’s decision to sit is a form of protest. Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said that Lynch hasn’t stood for the anthem in 11 years.

Lynch did express support for Kaepernick and his protest last season. So did Bennett.

“I think a person that’s dedicating their life to creating change, why wouldn’t you want that type of leadership in your locker room?” Bennett said during a radio appearance on Seattle’s 710 ESPN Radio in May. “Why wouldn’t you want a young person that’s dealt with people wanting to kill him because of his choices in life? So I don’t know why people feel like that is a problem.”

Bennett’s decision to sit for the anthem this season is just one of many things he’s doing to bridge racial divides and benefit the community. Bennett has pledged to donate all of the endorsement money he earns in 2017 to charities that benefit minorities and especially women of color.