San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick drew strong reactions when he sat down during the playing of the national anthem on Aug. 26. Fans posted videos of themselves burning Kaepernick jerseys and he received backlash in the media.
However, he also received support for his action. Fellow 49ers player Eric Reid and Seattle Seahawks player Jeremy Lane, as well as women’s soccer star and United States national team member Megan Rapinoe have joined him. His jersey has become the highest selling jersey in the NFL shop. His action to sit during the national anthem ignited a conversation about his role as an athlete speaking about issues such as race and police brutality.