SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Colin Kaepernick leads national anthem protests across NFL

Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protest started as a one-man stand against social injustice. Since the 49ers quarterback started in the preseason, Kaepernick has been joined by other players around the NFL.
Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protest started as a one-man stand against social injustice. Since the 49ers quarterback started in the preseason, Kaepernick has been joined by other players around the NFL.
Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
49ers safety Eric Reid joined Kaepernick in kneeling for the national anthem before the season opener.
49ers safety Eric Reid joined Kaepernick in kneeling for the national anthem before the season opener.
Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
49ers teammates Colin Kaepernick (7) and Eric Reid (35) kneel during the anthem before the season opener.
49ers teammates Colin Kaepernick (7) and Eric Reid (35) kneel during the anthem before the season opener.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Kaepernick takes a knee during the anthem before the opener against the Rams.
Kaepernick takes a knee during the anthem before the opener against the Rams.
John Hefti, USA TODAY Sports
Kenny Britt (18) and Robert Quinn (94) of the Rams raised their fists in protest during the national anthem before the season opener against Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers.
Kenny Britt (18) and Robert Quinn (94) of the Rams raised their fists in protest during the national anthem before the season opener against Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers.
Ezra Shaw, Getty Images
Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall knelt during the national anthem before the NFL's season-opening Thursday night showcase against the Panthers.
Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall knelt during the national anthem before the NFL's season-opening Thursday night showcase against the Panthers.
Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Marshall kneels for the anthem before the season opener. Marshall has lost two sponsorship deals due to his protest.
Brandon Marshall kneels for the anthem before the season opener. Marshall has lost two sponsorship deals due to his protest.
Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports
Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters raised a black-gloved fist during the anthem before the season opener against the Chargers.
Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters raised a black-gloved fist during the anthem before the season opener against the Chargers.
John Sleezer, The Kansas City Star Via AP
Dolphins players, from left, Jelani Jenkins, Arian Foster, Michael Thomas and Kenny Stills knelt during the anthem at the opener against the Seahawks.
Dolphins players, from left, Jelani Jenkins, Arian Foster, Michael Thomas and Kenny Stills knelt during the anthem at the opener against the Seahawks.
Stephen Brashear, AP
Colin Kaepernick began his national anthem protest in the preseason. Initially he remained seated on the bench during the anthem, before deciding to kneel.
Colin Kaepernick began his national anthem protest in the preseason. Initially he remained seated on the bench during the anthem, before deciding to kneel.
Jake Roth, USA TODAY Sports
Kaepernick kneels during the national anthem before the preseason finale against the Chargers.
Kaepernick kneels during the national anthem before the preseason finale against the Chargers.
Chris Carlson, AP
While plenty of fans have voiced their disapproval, Kaepernick has enjoyed his share of support during his protest.
While plenty of fans have voiced their disapproval, Kaepernick has enjoyed his share of support during his protest.
Josh Peter, USA TODAY Sports