FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, middle, kneels during the national anthem before the team's NFL preseason football game against the San Diego Chargers, in San Diego. When Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem to take a stand against police brutality, racial injustice and social inequality, he was vilified by people who considered it an offense against the country, the flag and the military. Nearly four years later, it seems more people are starting to side with Kaepernick’s peaceful protest and now are calling out those who don’t understand the intent behind his action. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 1, 2016, file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, middle, kneels during the national anthem before an NFL preseason football game against the San Diego Chargers in San Diego. Kaepernick was a second-round draft pick in 2011 who the next year led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl. By 2016, he had begun kneeling on the sideline at games during the national anthem to protest social injustice and police brutality.  Soon after, he was gone from the NFL, and he has not played since. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)