Just a little more than a week ago, some people were burning Colin Kaepernick jerseys. Now, they're flying off the shelves.
The San Francisco 49ers website sold more of their polarizing backup quarterback's jerseys last week than in the previous eight months combined, according to an ESPN report.
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On Monday, only Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott and New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. were outselling Kaepernick on the NFL's site.
Kaepernick revealed after the Niners' third preseason game that he had not stood for the pre-game playing of the national anthem this preseason and planned to continue his protest until he was satisfied social issues in the country, particularly involving police brutality, had improved. Kaepernick took a knee during The Star-Spangled Banner during San Francisco's final exhibition outing in San Diego last week.
Though Kaepernick, whose gear was also popular when he led the Niners to Super Bowl XLVII at the conclusion of the 2012 season, lost the training camp battle to reclaim his starting job — he's currently behind Blaine Gabbert — it's not surprising his jersey sales have skyrocketed. NFL fans have shown mass support before for players who attempt to spark social change.
Even though he didn't make the final roster, the jersey of St. Louis Rams defensive end Michael Sam was a huge seller in 2014 after he became the first openly gay player to be drafted.