Eric Reid Calls Panthers’ Win Bittersweet Because Kaepernick Still Isn’t Playing: Reactions

26-year-old former first round pick and Pro Bowl safety Eric Reid made his 2018 NFL debut on Sunday in the Carolina Panthers’ wild last-second win over the New York Giants.

Prior to Reid’s first NFL game this season, he once again took a knee during the playing of the national anthem, just as he told his head coach Ron Rivera he would.

After the thrilling win, Rivera did not want to comment on Reid kneeling, “I’m not going to talk about a guy exercising his first amendment rights. I’m going to talk about what happens on the football field.”

When Reid was asked to comment on the victory, his emotions were mixed, telling The Undefeated, “It’s bittersweet. I won the game, but Colin is at home with my kids. He should be playing.”

Reid also explained to the media in the locker room after the game why he continued his protest.

Reid and Kaepernick are both currently pursuing collusion grievances against the NFL, alleging the owners conspired to keep them unemployed based on their outspoken activism.

Kaepernick, who played with Reid in San Francisco, and is a close friend, shared his support on social media, writing, “My Brother @e_reid35, with @kstills and @ithinkisee12, continue to take a knee against systemic oppression. They are unwavering in their conviction! #ImWithReid.”

Several Carolina Panthers fans also took to social media to express their displeasure with Reid and the team.

Of course, there were also many that supported Reid and the Panthers on Sunday.

https://twitter.com/sdixon3171/status/1049188076596207616

And on it goes…