Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe claims he was dismissed from his position as a high school football coach following his protest at a Huntington Beach City Council meeting in California. Kluwe, who coached at Edison High School, was arrested at the meeting for disrupting proceedings after criticizing the decision to install a plaque at a local library featuring the acronym “MAGA,” which he argued symbolized support for Donald Trump’s political movement.
During the protest, Kluwe condemned the MAGA movement as anti-democratic and equated it to a Nazi ideology. He stated his intention to engage in peaceful civil disobedience before stepping onto the stage, leading to his arrest and a misdemeanor charge. On Thursday, Kluwe announced his termination from Edison High School, where he had coached for five years. He was informed that the attention surrounding his actions led to his dismissal, though no formal reason was provided.
Kluwe expressed disappointment over the decision, suggesting it reflected negatively on the values of the MAGA movement. He also noted that his freshman football team had struggled during the 2024 season with a 1-1-8 record, contrasting with the varsity team’s state championship win. Kluwe is exploring potential legal action, including involvement from the ACLU, citing possible First Amendment concerns.
Known for his outspoken advocacy on social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, Kluwe has faced professional repercussions in the past. He alleges that his activism contributed to his release from the Minnesota Vikings in 2013 despite consistent on-field performance.
