“Please stand, and remove your caps for the national anthem” broadcasts throughout Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The fans and football players stand up to show respect for those who have served and the sacrifices they have made. Everyone standing realizes that one man is still sitting down on the bench. That man was San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick.

Colin Kaepernick is currently in the process of protesting standing for the United States National Anthem.  Kaepernick issued a statement saying “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. 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.” According to the NFL, “players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the national anthem” but this does not stop fans and other players from judging and criticizing Kaepernick and his decisions.

There are mixed feelings from players within the NFL community on Kaepernick’s actions. People such as Detroit Lions linebacker Deandre Levy “100 percent supports” the decisions and action Kaepernick has taken. Others, such as Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Ndamukung Suh, do not suggest that they agree with his decision, but that you have to respect it. Finally, NFL legend wide receiver Jerry Rice believes that he should not “disrespect the flag” and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees “wholeheartedly disagrees” with his actions.

Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle, Alexandro Villanueva was a U.S. Army Ranger before joining the NFL. Villanueva issued a response to Kaepernick saying “I don’t know if the most effective way is to sit down during the national anthem with a country that’s providing you freedom, providing you $16 million a year … when there are black minorities that are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan for less than $20,000 a year. It’s his decision. Obviously he has brought up the issue in a great way. But I think if he encourages other players or other people in the stands to sit down, it’s going to send the wrong message.”

Numerous 49er fans have taken action, burning their Colin Kaepernick’s jersey. Colin Kaepernick knew that he was getting himself into a sensitive subject, but is willing to do what he thinks is right, even though many others may not agree, to do what he can to bring change to this country.