Huntington Beach, CA – Former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe claims he was fired from his coaching job at Edison High School following his arrest during a protest against a controversial MAGA-themed plaque approved by the Huntington Beach City Council.
Kluwe, a longtime political activist and LGBTQ+ advocate, took to social media on Thursday to confirm that his termination was a direct response to his outspoken opposition to the 50th-anniversary plaque at the Huntington Beach Central Library, which features Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
The Protest & Arrest That Sparked Controversy
On February 18, 2025, Kluwe attended a heated Huntington Beach City Council meeting, where he delivered a passionate speech condemning the MAGA movement, accusing it of promoting racism, censorship, and anti-democratic values.
“MAGA is inherently corrupt, unmistakably anti-democracy, and most notably, MAGA is explicitly a Nazi movement,” Kluwe declared.
Shortly after his speech, Kluwe peacefully approached police officers, placing his hands behind his back, signaling his willingness to be arrested. Spectators cheered in solidarity, but despite the controversy, the City Council approved the plaque’s design with only minor modifications and additional security measures.
Backlash & Fallout: Kluwe Fired from Coaching Job
Following his arrest and outspoken criticism, Kluwe was let go from his position as a freshman football coach at Edison High School in Huntington Beach.
“Just got fired from being a freshman football coach… They don’t care about what helps people. They only care about trying to hurt people,” Kluwe wrote on Bluesky.
Despite his public stance, Kluwe’s coaching career may not be over. Reports indicate that at least one other school reached out with a job offer, which he graciously declined.
Kluwe Doubles Down on His Fight Against MAGA
On Friday, Kluwe continued to criticize the movement, posting:
“What’s happening here in HB is what’s happening to our nation as a whole. MAGA is not interested in listening to communities. They only want what makes themselves feel good, regardless of the cost to anyone else.”
A 15-year Huntington Beach resident, Kluwe has been a vocal advocate for social justice since his NFL retirement in 2013. Before his professional football career, he played collegiately at UCLA before joining the Vikings as an undrafted free agent.
Huntington Beach Union High School District Responds
As of now, the Huntington Beach Union High School District has not released a statement regarding Kluwe’s firing.
His dismissal has sparked broader debates about free speech, political activism, and public backlash in communities across the U.S.
