What a difference a week makes. Last week Colin Kaepernick jerseys were being burnt, this week they are one of the highest-selling jerseys in the NFL.
Even though Kaepernick lost his starting gig as the San Francisco 49ers quarterback over the weekend he saw the sales of his jersey soar to No. 1 amidst his protest of not standing during the national anthem.
Kaepernick’s jersey was previously only the 20th-most popular shirt in the 49ers store but on Sunday, Sept. 4, his jersey sales increased to the store’s No. 1 best seller.
In terms of the entire league, the backup quarterback’s jersey is the third bestselling in the NFL shop behind only Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Kaepernick’s name has dominated headlines as he has chosen not to stand during the national anthem before games in protest of police brutality and the treatment of minorities in this country. On Thursday, Sept. 1, he was joined by his teammate Eric Reid in protest and a few days later by soccer player Megan Rapinoe, who kneeled during Sunday’s anthem prior to the Seattle Reign and the Chicago Red Stars game.