The Carolina Panthers shocked the football world last week, signing embattled Pro Bowl safety Eric Reid off the free agent market.
Reid’s name had become synonymous with the Colin Kaepernick-led National Anthem protests. They were protests the former first-round pick had continued with Kaepernick unemployed last season. Since then, the two have remained close and continue to do work within the community.
In fact, Reid was seen wearing an “I’m with Kap” shirt at his introductory press conference on Monday.
#imwithkap T-shirt pic.twitter.com/8PtQma0s9l
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 1, 2018
He also made sure to note that nothing will change as it relates to his political actions and the movement he’s joined in with Kaepernick.
Eric Reid: “As we said when we started, Colin and I, nothing will change unless we talk about it.” pic.twitter.com/MbefZdVgvq
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 1, 2018
Though, Reid did cite an ongoing collusion case against the NFL in refusing to reveal whether the protests would continue.
Reid wouldn't say whether his pregame protests will continue because the subject is part of his collusion case vs. the NFL.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 1, 2018
Carolina’s decision to sign Reid was met with mostly positive reviews from fans and the media alike. It was a stellar football move, one that promises to upgrade a questionable safety situation in Carolina.
Reid will likely start in his Panthers debut next week. Whether he creates news before then is anyone’s guess.