No one thought a backup NFL quarterback could spark a nationwide controversy and then lead the NFL in jersey sales. Well, 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick proved everyone wrong.

Kaepernick decided to protest the National Anthem abruptly one preseason game VS the Green Bay Packers. The Star Spangled Banner began to croon through the stadium and #7 took a knee. Social media blew up with the story overnight.

After the game Kaepernick explained, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

With each week, the protest seems to be gaining some serious attention. Other NFL players have spoken out that they support Kaepernick’s protest. Miami Dolphins HB Arian Foster and 3 other teammates kneeled during the National Anthem as well as Broncos LB Brandon Marshall. Even high school athletes are joining in.

Is this protest disrespecting the country? Is this protest bringing serious issues to light?  

Football coach Preston Jones has stood through many anthems as a veteran coach. Jones recognizes Kaepernick’s right to do his pregame protest but he doesn’t agree.

“You have the right to do that, which makes our country great, but I don’t agree with it.”

He believes that the military families are the most offended by his actions. “He’s offending a lot of the people who are giving him those rights.”

Chiefs CB Marcus Peters and several other players protested during the Anthem by raising their right fist for the whole song.

“I don’t know if there’s anything else you should be doing during the national anthem besides standing in attention,” Jones expressed.

Senior Seau Nguyen took a similar stance on the Kaepernick controversy.

“I disagree with what he’s doing because, you know him sitting down, he should be standing up for the people who fought for him that aren’t able to stand up.”

Although Nguyen isn’t on the same page as Kaepernick, he still voiced that it’s his right to do so. “I think it’s kind of disrespectful in a sense, but he has the right to do it.”

Raising the right fist during the anthem seems to be more respectful in Nguyen’s eyes. “It’s definitely more respectful during the National Anthem.”

Everyone, whether they like it or not, has a stance on the protest. This controversy is gripping the United States like no other and it doesn’t plan to let go anytime soon.