take a knee

verb3

1. •
   To come to rest, usually briefly, with one of one's knees on the ground.

   • Levon Berry, a 288-pound tackle for S. Pete, decided to take a knee and adjust the adhesive tape that's wrapped around his street shoes. — 1972
2. •
   To cease performing customary activities or duties and kneel on one knee, sometimes as a form of protest.
3. •
   Of any player with the ball, to kneel and place the ball on the ground, thereby ending the play and indicating they do not intend to advance with the ball.

   • The N.F.L. estimates that number could rise to 30 percent, but special-teams coaches say at least 40 percent of kickoffs will end with the returner taking a knee in the end zone. — 2011