Colin Kaepernick Lands Cover of ‘TIME’ Magazine

Colin Kaepernick Lands Cover of ‘TIME’ Magazine
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick shakes hands with fans after the 49ers defeated the San Diego Chargers 31-21 during an NFL preseason football game in San Diego on Sept. 1, 2016. Kaepernick's jersey is the league's top seller. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
9/22/2016
Updated:
12/30/2023

“To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

There have been a lot of mixed feelings and emotions throughout the whole ordeal of Kaepernick refusing to stand during the national anthem. 

A recent poll showed that his likability has decreased, but his jersey is the top-selling in the league. His actions were condemned by Roger Goodell, the NFL’s commissioner and by some law enforcement groups. He has also received death threats.

However, these haven’t deterred Kaepernick from continuing his mission, and he is encouraged by the support he’s received from his athletic peers.

“I think other people are picking up on the protest and speaking out about it, from high school to activists to pro athletes,” Kaepernick said, as reported by ABC News. “I think it’s huge and I think the more conversation continues between those communities, more and more solutions will come up on how to fix this and the best way to fix it as quickly as possible. I think that’s important and ultimately the goal.”